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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.
News foreigners
Up to 50% of assault troops and infantry positions are expected to be filled by foreign nationals, - Fedorov The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence aims to have foreigners fill 30–50% of the assault and infantry roles within the Ukrainian army. 4 841 56 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces Reforms in the army
There are resources to increase pay in army. Minimum of 30,000 UAH in rear, – Zelenskyy. VIDEO President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine has the resources to increase military personnel’s salaries. 3 586 58 Previously in trend: Reforms in the army
Shot two acquaintances amid conflict and fled: foreigner detained in Kyiv – police. PHOTO In Kyiv, a Georgian citizen was detained on suspicion of killing two people following a conflict at a service station. 5 347 8 Previously in trend: Murder in Kyiv
Russia bans deportation of foreigners who participated in war against Ukraine The Russian State Duma has adopted a law banning the deportation of foreigners who signed contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry and took part in hostilities against Ukraine. 1 515 6 Previously in trend: Russia is recruiting foreigners for the war in Ukraine
Businesses that fund bringing in of foreign volunteers should be required to set same number of places for reserving Ukrainian men, - Butusov Businesses that fund the bringing in of foreign volunteers should be given the opportunity to reserve a similar number of Ukrainian men at their facilities. 1 632 10 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces Employee mobilization exemption
Arson attacks ordered by Russia: two foreigners sentenced to 12 years in prison Two citizens of a neighbouring European country have been sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment with confiscation of property for a series of arson attacks in western Ukraine, which, according to the investigation, they carried out on the orders of Russian handlers. They were arrested in... 1 022 6 Previously in trend: Detention of arsonists
Foreign fighters instead of mobilized soldiers: benefits and obstacles. Yurii Butusov. VIDEO During a live broadcast, Yurii Butusov, commander of a UAV platoon of the 13th Khartiia Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, will talk about the benefits of bringing in foreign fighters, international experience, recruitment problems, and obstacles preventing Ukraine from scaling up this area. 1 751 8 Previously in trend: Foreign troops in Ukraine Foreigners in AFU
There are tens of thousands of foreigners ready to take part in combat operations, but government isn’t bringing them in, - Butusov There are no systematic efforts by the government to bring in foreign infantry troops. 2 728 29 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces
Russia has recruited nearly 3,000 Africans to fight in war against Ukraine As of May 2026, Russia had recruited at least 2,965 citizens from 36 African countries to fight in the war against Ukraine. 675 13 Previously in trend: recruitment by Russia
Thousands of foreign volunteers are ready to join "Khartiia", but due to lack of funds they cannot be brought in, - Butusov. VIDEO Thousands of foreigners are currently ready to join the Ukrainian infantry, but state funding for their transfer is still at the approval stage. 4 643 32 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces Fighting in the Volchansk direction
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. 8 466 45 Previously in trend: Committing suicide
Scheme for illegal legalisation of foreigners has been uncovered in Kyiv: organiser has been notified of suspicion. PHOTOS 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... 1 536 4
Jelo, volunteer from Sri Lanka, died defending Ukraine: he was buried in Rivne region. PHOTO 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... 8 018 17 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine
American climbs naked onto windowsill in central Lviv: hospitalised – police. PHOTO 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. 13 057 72 Previously in trend: Foreign troops in Ukraine
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. 2 630 5 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed 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. 2 976 50 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces
He had residence permit and was spying for Russians: SSU detained Russian citizen in Kirovohrad region. PHOTO 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. 3 632 7 Previously in trend: Detention of adjusters spying in favor of Russia
Scheme to smuggle foreigners across border under guise of volunteering has been exposed in Kyiv. PHOTOS 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... 1 381 1 Previously in trend: Illegal border crossing
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. 1 095 9 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces
Foreign national was detained in Kyiv with 4 kg of cocaine worth 35 million hryvnias. VIDEO In Kyiv, law enforcement officers detained a foreign citizen who was transporting a large batch of drugs for further sale. 4 478 33
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. 1 226 4 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces
Former foreign military instructor worked for FSB and prepared terrorist attacks, - SSU. VIDEO+PHOTO A former military instructor from one of the European countries, recruited by the FSB and working for Russia, was detained in Kyiv. 8 648 10 Previously in trend: spying in favor of Russia
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. 1 362 7 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces Foreigners in AFU
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. 939 1 Previously in trend: Missed in action during the war
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. 8 678 78
"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. 24 575 111
Threatening with grenade, they forced passer-by to transfer 5,000 hryvnias: two foreigners detained in Kyiv, - National Police. PHOTOS 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. 4 242 30 Previously in trend: financial fraud
Four men charged with aiding foreigners in illegal legalization schemes in Ukraine – Prosecutor’s Office. PHOTOS 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. 1 056 4
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. 4 492 30 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces
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. 4 062 9
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. 2 662 54
Foreign fighters from 28th SMB, together with their Ukrainian comrades, repel attack by enemy assault group near Toretsk. VIDEO 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. 9 736 8 Previously in trend: War
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. 1 578 6
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. 1 277 13
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. 1 894 17
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. 1 623 11
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. 1 787 2
Volunteers from more than 50 countries serve in International Legion of DIU. VIDEO Volunteers from more than 50 countries serve in the International Legion of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. 3 589 2 Previously in trend: War
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. 1 963 15 Previously in trend: War
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. 4 201 32 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War
Foreign volunteers are fighting Russian occupiers in Bakhmut. VIDEO Rare footage from Bakhmut featuring foreign volunteers fighting for Ukraine has been posted online. 22 481 42 Previously in trend: War
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. 5 333 11
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. 4 199 2 Previously in trend: War
"Please consider him Ukrainian. Posthumously", - story of Abkhazian Astamur Gumba, who died defending Ukraine. VIDEO 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. 7 715 12 Previously in trend: War
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. 7 780 15 Previously in trend: War
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. 5 185 47 Previously in trend: War
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". 4 364 23 Previously in trend: War
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. 3 901 18 Previously in trend: War
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