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The role of foreigners in Ukraine has expanded significantly, with numerous challenges and contributions marked by recent developments. A prominent issue is the exposure of schemes for illegal legalisation, illustrating vulnerabilities in immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, foreign nationals have increasingly joined Ukraine's Armed Forces, with policies enabling their recruitment for military and officer roles. Volunteers from around the world, like Sri Lankan soldier Jelo, showcase their commitment, highlighting their vital contribution against Russian aggression. Additionally, legal changes such as the extension of residence permits and social guarantees reflect Ukraine’s acknowledgment of foreigners’ roles. These dynamics underscore the country's evolving landscape regarding foreign participation in its defense efforts and the legal complexities they encounter.

What are the main challenges faced by foreigners in Ukraine?

Foreigners in Ukraine encounter challenges ranging from legalisation issues, as evidenced by corruption schemes for illegal residency, to the complex navigation of military service regulations. These obstacles require comprehensive legal frameworks and enforcement measures to ensure lawful participation in Ukrainian society.

How have foreigners contributed to Ukraine's defense efforts?

Foreigners have significantly augmented Ukraine's defense capabilities by joining the Armed Forces, with volunteers numbering over 20,000. They fight alongside Ukrainian troops, bringing diverse skills and international solidarity to the conflict. Their presence underscores the global support for Ukraine's sovereignty.

What legal measures have been adopted for foreigners serving in Ukraine?

Recent legislation allows foreigners to serve as officers in Ukraine's Armed Forces, extending social benefits and clarifying legal status. These measures acknowledge their contributions and ensure that foreigners receive appropriate protection and rights during and after their service.

Has Ukraine faced issues with illegal immigration involving foreigners?

Yes, Ukraine has uncovered multiple illegal immigration schemes, including fraudulent legalisation processes and smuggling operations. These activities undermine legal immigration policies and highlight the need for stricter border control and immigration law enforcement.

What roles do foreign volunteers play in Ukraine's military?

Foreign volunteers in Ukraine's military primarily engage in combat roles, tactical support, and humanitarian assistance. Their diverse backgrounds bring specialized skills and bolster Ukraine's defense against external threats, reinforcing the multi-national effort against aggression.

How does Ukraine support the families of foreign military personnel?

Ukraine offers social guarantees for foreign military personnel, including extended residence rights, potential citizenship, and family support mechanisms. This approach recognizes their sacrifices and aims to integrate them and their families into Ukrainian society seamlessly.

What impact do foreign fighters have on Ukraine's international relations?

The presence of foreign fighters in Ukraine strengthens international alliances and demonstrates global solidarity against aggression. It boosts diplomatic ties with countries contributing volunteers, highlighting a shared commitment to upholding international law and sovereignty.

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News foreigners

Australian citizen dies after jumping from Lviv City Hall tower 42-year-old Australian citizen jumps from observation deck of Lviv City Hall Today, April 28, an incident was recorded at the City Hall tower in Lviv, resulting in the death of a foreign citizen. 8 287 39 Previously in trend: Committing suicide

Scheme to illegally legalise foreigners exposed in Kyiv Scheme for illegal legalisation of foreigners has been uncovered in Kyiv: organiser has been notified of suspicion Officers from the Migration Police Department, in collaboration with investigators from the Pecherskyi District Police Department of Kyiv, with operational support from the special police unit and under the procedural supervision of the Pecherskyi District Prosecutor’s Office of Kyiv, have uncovered a corruption scheme involving the illegal legalisation of foreigners in Ukraine.  1 468 4

Ukraine bid farewell to volunteer Jelo, who gave his life for our freedom Jelo, volunteer from Sri Lanka, died defending Ukraine: he was buried in Rivne region While defending Ukraine against Russian aggression, Hakuru Baddalage Genada Lahiru Kavinda, a soldier from the International Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine originally from Sri Lanka and known by the call sign ‘Jelo’, was killed on the front line. The soldier was buried in the Rivne region alongside a fellow soldier, also from Sri Lanka. 7 812 17 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine

An American man climbed out onto a windowsill naked in the centre of Lviv American climbs naked onto windowsill in central Lviv: hospitalised – police A US citizen who climbed naked onto a windowsill in central Lviv on April 2 has been taken to one of the city’s hospitals. He is believed to have a mental disorder. 12 943 72 Previously in trend: Foreign troops in Ukraine

Poles in the Ukrainian Armed Forces Poles fighting on Ukraine’s side exempted from liability: Nawrocki signs law Polish citizens who joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and are taking part in the war against Russia will not be subject to punishment. Polish President Karol Nawrocki has signed the relevant law. 2 571 5 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Ukraine is recruiting foreign volunteers into the Defence Forces More than 20,000 foreign volunteers are serving in Ukrainian Armed Forces, — DW Ukraine has set a course to more actively recruit foreign volunteers into the Armed Forces. Currently, about 20,000 foreigners are fighting on Ukraine’s side—that is approximately 2% of the total strength of the Defense Forces. Their numbers are expected to grow. 2 655 50 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

The SSU detained a Russian citizen who was spying for the occupiers He had residence permit and was spying for Russians: SSU detained Russian citizen in Kirovohrad region In the Kirovohrad region, a Russian citizen was detained who worked for the Russian GRU and tracked the locations of the Defence Forces, which the occupiers were preparing to attack. 3 590 7 Previously in trend: Detention of adjusters spying in favor of Russia

A channel for smuggling foreigners under the guise of volunteering has been shut down in Kyiv Scheme to smuggle foreigners across border under guise of volunteering has been exposed in Kyiv In Kyiv, law enforcement officers exposed and dismantled a channel for illegally transporting foreigners across the state border, organised under the guise of volunteer work. Three people were involved in the scheme, who drew up fictitious documents and ensured the legalisation of foreigners for a fee. 1 333 1 Previously in trend: Illegal border crossing

The President signed a law on social protection for foreign military personnel Zelenskyy signed law on social guarantees for foreigners serving in Armed Forces of Ukraine On Monday, February 9, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law concerning social protection for foreign military personnel serving in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 1 034 9 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

4 kg of cocaine found in a minibus Foreign national was detained in Kyiv with 4 kg of cocaine worth 35 million hryvnias In Kyiv, law enforcement officers detained a foreign citizen who was transporting a large batch of drugs for further sale. 4 428 33

foreign nationals Foreigners in Ukraine’s Armed Forces to receive temporary residence permits: Rada passes bill On November 4, the Verkhovna Rada adopted in the first reading draft law No. 14052, which clarifies the legal status and medical support procedures for foreign citizens and stateless persons serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations. 1 192 4 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Former military instructor worked for the FSB in Ukraine Former foreign military instructor worked for FSB and prepared terrorist attacks, - SSU A former military instructor from one of the European countries, recruited by the FSB and working for Russia, was detained in Kyiv. 8 622 10 Previously in trend: spying in favor of Russia

Rules of stay of foreign soldiers in Ukraine will be changed For foreigners whose contract with Armed Forces has expired, it is proposed to extend time of stay in Ukraine The Rada proposes to extend the rights of foreign military personnel whose contracts with the Armed Forces of Ukraine have expired. 1 319 7 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces Foreigners in AFU

Foreigners missing without trace More than 300 foreigners and stateless persons are missing in Ukraine - Dobroserdov As of July 1, 2025, more than 300 foreigners and stateless persons are listed in the Unified Register of Persons Missing Under Special Circumstances. 917 1 Previously in trend: Missed in action during the war

US volunteer fighter Ryan O’Leary 59th SAB on statement by U.S. volunteer fighter O’Leary: he does not possess up-to-date information on unit’s current state 59th Separate Assault Brigade (SAB) named after Yakov Handziuk stated that its former soldier Ryan O’Leary does not have up-to-date information about the current situation in the unit. Previously, he reported suspending the activities of the Chosen Company company due to poor leadership. 8 584 78

Ryan O’Leary, a volunteer fighter from the USA "We’ve lost more people to poor leadership and Soviet thinking than to direct Russian actions" – U.S. volunteer fighter O’Leary American volunteer fighter Ryan O’Leary, commander of the Chosen Company, announced he is disbanding the unit due to poor leadership. The serviceman also expressed his opinion regarding the quality of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ officer corps. 24 349 111

In Kyiv, foreigners with a grenade forced a passer-by to transfer 5,000 hryvnias Threatening with grenade, they forced passer-by to transfer 5,000 hryvnias: two foreigners detained in Kyiv, - National Police In Kyiv, two foreigners threatened a 34-year-old passer-by with a grenade and forced him to transfer UAH 5,000 to their bank card. 4 220 30 Previously in trend: financial fraud

prosecutor’s office Four men charged with aiding foreigners in illegal legalization schemes in Ukraine – Prosecutor’s Office Two citizens of Uzbekistan and two citizens of Azerbaijan exploited an illegal scheme to cross the Ukrainian border and subsequently legalize their stay by entering into sham marriages with Ukrainian women. 1 034 4

Recruitment centre of the Ukrainian Legion has been opened in Poland Government has allowed foreigners to be recruited for military service under contract in Ukraine At a meeting on Tuesday, theCabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved a resolution that provides for the official involvement of foreigners and stateless persons in military service under contract. 4 431 30 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Павел Pavel allowed 60 Czechs to join Armed Forces, - presidential spokesman Czech President Petr Pavel has authorized 60 citizens of the country to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 4 046 9

ЗСУ, військові Foreigners will be able to serve as officers in AFU: Zelenskyy signed law President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a law that allows foreigners and stateless persons to serve under contract as officers in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 2 646 54

бій із окопу від першої особи Foreign fighters from 28th SMB, together with their Ukrainian comrades, repel attack by enemy assault group near Toretsk Foreign soldiers from the 28th Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign repelled an attack by an enemy assault group near Toretsk, Donetsk region. 9 717 8 Previously in trend: War

Іноземці можуть служити на офіцерських посадах Rada allows foreigners to serve in AFU, STSS and National Guard as officers On October 10, the Verkhovna Rada passed a bill allowing foreigners and stateless persons to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Transport Special Service (STSS) and the National Guard under contract as officers. 1 565 6

"Дія", документи Over 20 thousand residence permits in Ukraine have been issued by foreigners in Diia in two years - Fedorov In two years, foreigners have issued more than 20 thousand permanent and temporary residence permits in our country through the Diia app. 1 257 13

Рада підтримала створення Центру рекрутингу іноземців Rada supports draft law allowing foreigners to be recruited for military service under contract On September 17, the Verkhovna Rada adopted as a basis the draft law No. 12023 on amendments to the procedure for military service under contract by foreigners and stateless persons. 1 880 17

Сили оборони Cabinet of Ministers proposes to allow foreigners - contract soldiers to hold officer positions in the Defense Forces The Cabinet of Ministers proposes to amend the legislation and allow foreign citizens who are serving in Ukraine under contract to hold officer positions in the Defense Forces and serve in intelligence until the end of the war. 1 607 11

Законопроєкт щодо правового статусу іноземних добровольців Verkhovna Rada supported in general draft law on legal status of foreigners and stateless persons defending Ukraine On 20 August, the Verkhovna Rada supported the draft law on the legal status of foreigners and stateless persons fighting for Ukraine. 1 772 2

гур Volunteers from more than 50 countries serve in International Legion of DIU Volunteers from more than 50 countries serve in the International Legion of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. 3 575 2 Previously in trend: War

іноземці Foreign volunteers fighting against Russia can obtain Ukrainian citizenship if they wish. This also applies to their family members - Klymenko Foreign volunteers who defend Ukraine as part of the Defense Forces will be able to obtain Ukrainian citizenship. 1 947 15 Previously in trend: War

нгу,нацгвардія Zelenskyy allows foreigners to serve in National Guard - decree President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree allowing foreigners and stateless persons to serve in the National Guard. 4 186 32 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War

бій Foreign volunteers are fighting Russian occupiers in Bakhmut Rare footage from Bakhmut featuring foreign volunteers fighting for Ukraine has been posted online. 22 465 42 Previously in trend: War

колония In Russia, guy who "went to fight on side of Ukraine" was imprisoned for 3 years A man originally from the Tyumen region was sent to a general regime colony for three years because he was allegedly going to fight on the side of Ukraine. 5 326 11 World

чапутова Slovak President Chaputova allowed seven citizens of her country to join ranks of AFU The President of Slovakia, Zuzana Chaputova, approved the participation of seven Slovaks in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 4 189 2 Previously in trend: War

гумба "Please consider him Ukrainian. Posthumously", - story of Abkhazian Astamur Gumba, who died defending Ukraine Abkhazian Astamur Gumba lived in Kyiv for 30 years. He did not have Ukrainian citizenship, but when Russia invaded Ukraine, he immediately decided to go and defend our country. 7 702 12 Previously in trend: War

іноземець,комбатант,легіон,іноземний Over 20 thousand foreigners fighting on Ukraine side, - mass media More than 20,000 volunteers from more than 50 countries joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 7 766 15 Previously in trend: War

іноземці,піннер,саадун,еслін There are no plans to exchange and pardon three foreign soldiers of AFU, who were "sentenced" to death in "DNR", - terrorist leader Pushylin The leader of the DNR terrorists, Denis Pushilin, said that Sean Pinner, Aiden Aslin and Moroccan citizen Saadun Brahim, who were sentenced to death, had no plans to exchange or pardon. 5 157 47 Previously in trend: War

аслін,піннер,еслін Exchange of British prisoners of war is in question, Russia "does not want to follow rules", - member of British Parliament A member of the British Parliament, Robert Jenrick, called the situation with the intention of the Russians to execute two British prisoners of war Aiden Aslin and Sean Pinner "absolutely outrageous". 4 354 23 Previously in trend: War

піннер,аслі,брагім Foreign Ministry called occupants' "trial" of foreign fighters of AFU worthless: "Such trials destroy return mechanisms of prisoners of war". The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has called worthless the "trial" of foreign servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the temporarily occupied territories. 3 890 18 Previously in trend: War

піннер,аслі,брагім Occupiers in Donetsk are going to execute two Britons and Moroccan who defended Ukraine from invaders They "sentenced to death" British citizens Aiden Aslin and Sean Pinner, and Moroccan citizen Brahim Saadoun. All three moved to Ukraine and signed contracts with the Armed Forces before the full-scale invasion. 15 961 72 Previously in trend: War

втрати,іноземці International Legion of Defense of Ukraine reported death of 4 of its fighters The International Legion of Defense of Ukraine, in which foreign volunteers are fighting for our country, announced the death of four of its fighters. 34 047 57 Previously in trend: War

сєверодонецьк,добровольці,іноземці AFU's Foreign Legion entered Severodonetsk. Fighting for city continues Severodonetsk continues to be actively stormed by Russian troops. In the course of the hostilities, they managed to get into part of the city. At the same time, as confirmed by the Ukrainian military, there is fighting in the city itself. 36 021 33 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War

депутат,вр,рада,верховна Persons with foreign citizenship are allowed to join Ukrainian intelligence service The Verkhovna Rada approved amendments to the law "On Intelligence", regulating the admission of persons with foreign citizenship to the intelligence service. 4 645 17 Ukrainian Politics

стт CNN film crew came under occupiers artillery fire near Mykolaiv The CNN film crew came under artillery fire from the troops of the Russian Federation near Mykolaiv. 18 134 29 Previously in trend: War

доброволець,іноземець "You guys will win this war. Your morale, competence and desire to defend your country are amazing ", - war in Ukraine through eyes of foreign volunteers Foreign volunteers, helping Ukrainians to destroy the occupiers, express confidence that the invaders who are committing atrocities in the occupied territories have no chance of winning. 26 244 28 Previously in trend: War

Kuleba called on foreigners who want to defend Ukraine to contact Ukrainian embassies: "Together we defeated Hitler, and we will defeat Putin, too" Kuleba called on foreigners who want to defend Ukraine to contact Ukrainian embassies: "Together we defeated Hitler, and we will defeat Putin, too" Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urged foreigners, who want to defend Ukraine as part of the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine, to contact Ukrainian embassies. 6 855 22 Previously in trend: War

Govt allows persons with one dose of COVID-19 vaccine to cross border without self-isolation Govt allows persons with one dose of COVID-19 vaccine to cross border without self-isolation The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has allowed persons who have a COVID certificate confirming vaccination with one or more doses of WHO-approved vaccines or recovering from COVID-19 not to self-isolate when crossing the state border. 1 719 16 Previously in trend: Anti-epidemic measures and restrictions

Ukraine’s Health Ministry updates list of countries in ‘red’ and ‘green’ zones Ukraine’s Health Ministry updates list of countries in ‘red’ and ‘green’ zones The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has released an updated list of countries in the "red" and "green" zones as of November 20, 2020. 4 777 3 Previously in trend: Anti-epidemic measures and restrictions

Ukraine reopens borders to foreigners Ukraine reopens borders to foreigners Ukraine has reopened its borders to foreigners, State Border Guard Service spokesperson Andriy Demchenko has told. 9 471 39 Ukrainian Politics

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