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The involvement of volunteer soldiers in Ukraine's defense has seen significant developments. The Ukrainian government proposed extending stays for foreign volunteers post-contract to support ongoing defense efforts. The Ukrainian Legion, consisting of volunteers, continues to grow, with recent signings in Lublin. Tragically, brave individuals like Denys Ponomarenko and Valerii Badzahua have sacrificed their lives in defense of Ukraine. International volunteers, including Americans, Estonians, and Italians, have also made significant contributions. The extension of volunteer contracts and the introduction of new incentive policies underscore the vital role these soldiers play in the ongoing conflict. Volunteer soldiers remain crucial in Ukraine's defense against ongoing aggression, reflecting global solidarity with Ukraine's fight for sovereignty and peace.

What is the role of volunteer soldiers in Ukraine?

Volunteer soldiers have been pivotal in Ukraine's ongoing defense against Russian aggression. They include both Ukrainians and foreigners who join the Armed Forces of Ukraine to provide additional manpower and specialized skills. They often bring diverse military backgrounds and experiences, significantly contributing to the country's defense capabilities.

How are foreign volunteers integrating into Ukraine’s military forces?

Foreign volunteers integrate into Ukraine's military through contractual agreements that allow them to serve in various capacities. Recent legislation has aimed to extend their stay and improve their integration by offering clearer legal statuses and benefits. This system supports the continuous strengthening of Ukraine's defense forces.

What challenges do volunteer soldiers face in Ukraine?

Volunteer soldiers in Ukraine face numerous challenges, including adapting to a new military culture, dealing with language barriers, and the physical and emotional demands of combat. Additionally, the risk of injury or death is a constant threat as they fight on the frontlines against Russian forces.

How is Ukraine supporting the families of fallen volunteer soldiers?

Ukraine has implemented policies to support the families of fallen volunteer soldiers, such as financial compensations. For example, a recent law provides for a significant pension to families of those who die in defense of Ukraine, acknowledging their sacrifices and aiming to provide some relief and stability.

What recent developments have occurred in the Ukrainian Legion?

The Ukrainian Legion has seen recent developments with the signing of contracts in cities like Lublin, Poland. This reflects a strategic expansion and reinforcement of the Legion, aimed at recruiting more volunteers to bolster Ukraine's military efforts. This growth is part of an ongoing strategy to enhance operational capabilities amidst ongoing conflict.

Are there any international reactions to volunteer soldiers in Ukraine?

The international community generally views volunteer soldiers in Ukraine with respect and admiration, seeing them as symbols of global solidarity against aggression. However, there are complex diplomatic considerations, as some volunteers may face legal challenges in their home countries for joining a foreign military without official sanction.

What are some personal stories of volunteer soldiers in Ukraine?

Personal stories of volunteer soldiers in Ukraine highlight both heroism and tragedy. For instance, individuals from a variety of countries, such as the United States, Poland, and Italy, have joined the fight, many of whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Their dedication often inspires further volunteering and international support for Ukraine's cause.

How do volunteer soldiers impact Ukraine's defense strategy?

Volunteer soldiers significantly impact Ukraine's defense strategy by providing crucial manpower and diverse expertise in different combat areas. They complement the regular forces by offering specialized skills and international perspectives, enhancing strategic capabilities and fostering innovation in tactics and operations.

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News volunteer soldiers

afu Foreign volunteers will have broader opportunities in Defense Forces, - Ground Forces Foreign volunteers who sign a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine will have broader opportunities for service, including the right to choose a combat brigade, direction, and specific application, in accordance with the training, experience, and preferences of the serviceman. 2 035 19 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

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. 1 024 7 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces Foreigners in AFU

AFU Sixth group of Ukrainian Legion volunteer fighters signed contracts with Armed Forces of Ukraine in Lublin. PHOTO On Friday, October 10, the sixth group of volunteer fighters of the Ukrainian Legion, composed of Ukrainian citizens living abroad, signed contracts with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The signing ceremony took place in Lublin. 9 612 19 Previously in trend: Ukrainian legion in Poland

Sixth group of Ukrainian Legion volunteers to sign contracts with the Armed Forces on October 10 Sixth group of Ukrainian Legion volunteers to sign contracts with Armed Forces of Ukraine in Lublin On October 10, in the Polish city of Lublin, the sixth group of volunteers from the Ukrainian Legion will sign contracts with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 1 708 0 Previously in trend: Ukrainian legion in Poland

Polish volunteer fighter Wojciech Antoni, who was wanted in Warsaw Missing 18-year-old from Poland found in Ukraine: He became volunteer fighter in AFU In mid-March 2025, an 18-year-old from Poland, Wojciech Antoni, was declared missing after he was supposed to travel to Warsaw. Half a year later, it turned out that the young man had volunteered to join the Ukrainian army. 8 881 40 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Denys Ponomarenko Television project director of photography and volunteer Denys Ponomarenko died defending Ukraine. PHOTO On Sunday, 7 September, a TV project director of photography Denys (Bes) Ponomarenko, who volunteered to join the AFU after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, was killed while performing a combat mission in the Kharkiv region. 5 410 7 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine

volunteers At least 92 Americans have died fighting for Ukraine, - NYT The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II has recorded that at least 92 US citizens died defending Ukraine from Russian aggression. 3 173 33 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Olev Roost, a volunteer fighter from Estonia, died in the war in Ukraine Estonian volunteer fighter Olev Roost killed in action while defending Ukraine. PHOTO An Estonian volunteer fighter, Olev Roost, has been killed in the war in Ukraine. 5 091 13 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Luca Cecca died Italian volunteer fighter Luca Cecca killed in fighting for Ukraine. PHOTO Italian volunteer fighter Luca Cecca died defending Ukraine. 4 520 9 Previously in trend: Enemy losses foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Robert Edward Pietrangelo 23-year-old American volunteer fighter Robert Pietrangelo killed defending Ukraine. PHOTO 23-year-old American volunteer fighter Robert Edward Pietrangelo, known as "Bobby," from Pennsylvania and a former U.S. Boy Scout, died fighting for Ukraine. 7 074 19 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine

Georgian Valerii Badzahua killed in the war in Ukraine 23-year-old Georgian citizen Valerii Badzahua killed defending Ukraine. PHOTO Valerii Badzahua, a 23-year-old Georgian citizen who joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces before the full-scale invasion, has died fighting against Russia. 4 126 8 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine foreign volunteers in the armed forces

21‑year‑old Italian volunteer of Ukrainian origin Artem Naliato was killed in Ukraine 21‑year‑old Italian volunteer fighter of Ukrainian origin Artem Naliato killed in action A 21‑year‑old Italian of Ukrainian origin, Artem Naliato, adopted by an Italian family as a child, has been killed fighting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 5 063 13 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Hungarian fights on the side of the Ukrainian Armed Forces against Russia: Budapest to judge Man who has been fighting on side of Ukraine in war against Russia for over year will be tried in Hungary A Hungarian citizen from the city of Mako was charged in absentia with joining the Ukrainian army last year and participating in hostilities against Russia. The man will be tried in absentia. 2 744 16 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces Foreigners in AFU

Hungary Hungarian volunteer Benjamin Asher killed in war in Ukraine A 21-year-old Hungarian citizen, Benjamin Asher, who fought on the side of the Ukrainian Armed Forces as a volunteer, was killed in the battle for Ukraine. 3 690 16 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Kyiv bids farewell to Georgian volunteer Vano Nadiridze, who fought on the side of Ukraine Kyiv bids farewell to Georgian volunteer fighter Vano Nadiradze, who fought on side of Ukraine in SOF. PHOTOS On 25 June in Kyiv, a farewell ceremony was held for Georgian volunteer Lieutenant Colonel Vano Nadiradze, who led the Georgian group within Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces. He had been fighting alongside the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. 4 957 12 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine foreign volunteers in the armed forces

air defense Experimental project launched to reinforce air defense with VFTC groups The Cabinet of Ministers has adopted a resolution launching an experimental project aimed at enhancing territorial air defense by involving air defense groups formed within volunteer formations of territorial communities (VFTC). 7 882 28 Previously in trend: Ukrainian Air defence Volonteer soldiers will shoot the drones

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. 8 359 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. 23 349 111

Volunteers were allowed to shoot down drones. What is known Volunteers to help shoot down enemy drones - Cabinet of Ministers The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Defense to allow volunteers to shoot down enemy drones. 9 156 58 Previously in trend: Volonteer soldiers will shoot the drones

candle Italian National Legion member killed in war in Ukraine: body on occupied territory An Italian citizen who served in the National Legion was killed during the full-scale war in Ukraine. 2 343 8 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine

Georgian volunteer killed Georgian volunteer Tarbey Arkania killed in war in Ukraine. PHOTO Tarbey (Tabo) Arkania, a Georgian volunteer, was killed in the battles for Ukraine, he fought in the Pokrovsk direction. 4 838 17 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine

Drones destroy occupiers Belarusian volunteers from Kalinowski regiment destroy Russian occupiers with drones. VIDEO Belarusian volunteers from the Kastus Kalinowski Regiment published a video with fragments of the drone operators' combat work. 2 585 2 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Zelenskyy signs law on UAH 15 million compensation to families of fallen volunteer fighters President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a bill that provides for the payment of UAH 15 million to the families of volunteer fighters killed in the defence of Ukraine. 4 862 22 Previously in trend: Payments to deceased volunteers

Hospitaliers’ base in Pavlohrad destroyed Enemy strike destroyed base of Hospitallers medical volunteer battalion in Pavlohrad. PHOTO In Pavlohrad, the Russian occupiers destroyed the base of "Hospitallers" medical volunteer battalion. 4 691 36 Previously in trend: Enemy destroyed the Hospitallers’ base.

destruction of Russian equipment Drone operators of Kalinoŭski’s regiment destroyed and damaged 8 enemy infantry fighting vehicles and eliminated 12 occupiers. VIDEO The drone operators of Kalinoŭski's "RBMK" unit eliminated 12 occupiers, destroyed three IFVs and damaged five more. 1 735 4 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

contract, armed forces Number of brigades under Contract 18-24 project has been increased to 24 - Ministry of Defence. PHOTO The Contract 18-24 project has been expanded to include 24 brigades instead of 16. 4 265 10 Previously in trend: Contract 18-24

Reconnoiterer soldier Ivan Palamarchuk died defending Ukraine He shielded three of his comrades with his own body: 24-year-old soldier of "Aidar" battalion and scout Ivan Palamarchuk was killed in action. PHOTO On 20 April, Ivan Palamarchuk, a 24-year-old Plast member of the Aidar assault battalion, died at the front, shielding his three comrades. 5 060 7 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine

Volunteer fighters 18-24 took the oath Hundreds of contracts signed under "18–24" program – Ministry of Defense Hundreds of contracts have already been signed under the "Contract 18–24" volunteer program. 1 718 9 Previously in trend: Contract 18-24

Destruction of occupier at close range Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier from Brazil destroys occupier at close range. VIDEO A Brazilian volunteer destroyed a Russian occupier in close combat using small arms at a short range in the Kharkiv sector. 17 663 53 Previously in trend: Close-quarters combat Elimination of Russian occupiers

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. 4 275 30 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

49th recruitment centre of Ukrainian army opened in Boryspil More than 10 thousand volunteers who had applied to recruitment centres became candidates for Defence Forces and military - Ministry of Defence. INFOGRAPHICS Already, 10,143 volunteers who had applied to recruitment centres became candidates for the Defence Forces of Ukraine and military personnel. 5 588 5 Previously in trend: Recruitment centres’ performance results

destruction of the invaders Drone operators of Kalinoŭski’s regiment destroyed BMD-4, ATGM and at least four occupiers. VIDEO A video has been published online showing fragments of the combat work of drone operators of the RBMK unit of the Belarusian regiment named after Kastus Kalinoŭski in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 1 908 2 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupiers

Vance Strongest man I know, - Vance commented on criticism from his cousin who fought for Ukraine US Vice President J.D. Vance commented on the statements of his cousin Nate Vance, who volunteered to defend Ukraine. 20 701 32 Previously in trend: Vance’s cousin fought for Ukraine

Vance’s brother US Vice President Vance’s cousin Nate Vance volunteered to fight for Ukraine as part of "Wolves of Da Vinci" - Le Figaro The cousin of US Vice President JD Vance, Nate Vance, has been fighting for Ukraine as part of the "Wolves of Da Vinci" battalion since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. In January 2025, the man returned to the United States. 26 159 77 Previously in trend: Vance’s cousin fought for Ukraine

First volunteers under Contract 18-24 programme have received their payments "Contract 18-24": first volunteers have received their payments. VIDEO The first volunteers aged 18 to 24 who signed a contract with the Ukrainian Armed Forces have already received their payments. 5 708 18 Previously in trend: Contract 18-24

Foreign volunteers of "Charter" Volunteers from United States responded to Trump-Zelenskyy dispute: This is essentially Russian propaganda from mouth of American president. VIDEO A group of American volunteers serving in the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, the "Charter", commented on the dispute between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 13 201 41 Previously in trend: Trump-Zelenskyy dispute

Ukrainian Legion Third group of Ukrainian Legion volunteers in Poland signs contract with Armed Forces of Ukraine On February 28, the third group of volunteers who joined the Ukrainian Legion in Poland signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 3 688 10 Previously in trend: Ukrainian legion in Poland

A US defender said goodbye on Maidan Kyiv bids farewell to American volunteer medic Ethan Hertweck. VIDEO&PHOTOS On February 28, Independence Square in Kyiv bids farewell to American Ethan Hertweck, who was killed in battle for Ukraine on December 14, 2023. 9 101 24 Previously in trend: Farewell on the Maidan

Swiss volunteer fighter killed in the war in Ukraine First volunteer fighter from Switzerland killed in war in Ukraine For the first time since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a Swiss volunteer fighter was killed. 2 998 10

18-year-old British volunteer soldier James Wilton was killed 18-year-old British volunteer soldier James Wilton was killed during his first combat mission in Donetsk region. PHOTO James Wilton, an 18-year-old volunteer soldier from the United Kingdom who joined the Armed Forces a few months after graduating from college, was killed in the fighting for Ukraine. It was his first combat mission. 24 852 110

A 19-year-old Pole, Filip Antosiak, was killed near Pokrovsk Kyiv bids farewell to 19-year-old Polish volunteer fighter Filip Antosiak. PHOTOS On Thursday, January 30, Kyiv bids farewell to 19-year-old Polish volunteer soldier Filip Antosiak, who was killed near Pokrovsk, Donetsk region. 11 408 36

Australian volunteer Jenkins may be alive Russia tells Australia that volunteer Jenkins, allegedly executed by Russians, may be alive The Australian government has received information from Russia that Australian volunteer Oscar Jenkins, who fought on the side of Ukraine and was allegedly executed by the Russians, may be alive and in Russian captivity. 2 396 5

Austrian volunteer killed in fighting for Ukraine 30-year-old volunteer from Austria died defending Ukraine. PHOTO A volunteer from Austria was killed in the fighting for Ukraine. He was 30 years old. 5 245 8

volunteer fighter Zaitseva Volunteer fighter from Belarus, Maria Zaitseva, died at front defending Ukraine. PHOTO A 24-year-old volunteer fighter from Belarus, Maria Zaitseva, died at the front defending Ukraine from Russian invaders. 15 293 27

Edgar Platonov Volunteer fighter from Latvia Edgar Platonov was killed in battles for Ukraine. PHOTO Edgar Platonov, a fighter of the International Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, died at the front defending Ukraine from Russian invaders. 5 038 21

Second group of volunteer fighters from the Ukrainian Legion signs contracts with the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Poland Second group of volunteer fighters from Ukrainian Legion signs contracts with AFU in Poland. PHOTO A second group of volunteer fighters from among Ukrainian citizens living abroad signed contracts with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 7 114 7

Jordan Maclachlan Scottish volunteer Jordan Maclachlan killed in war in Ukraine Jordan Maclachlan, a 26-year-old volunteer from Scotland, joined the Ukrainian army in 2022 after a period of volunteering. 7 657 24

Ukrainian Legion Ambassador Bodnar: New Ukrainian Legion recruitment will include many times more volunteers than first one The second recruitment to the Ukrainian Legion, which is being formed in Poland, will be much larger than the first. 2 017 5