ENG
Censor.NET on Facebook Censor.NET on X/Twitter Censor.NET on Telegram Censor.NET on YouTube Android App iOS App RSS
9491 visitors online

volunteer soldiers

choose another tag
The involvement of volunteer soldiers in the Ukrainian conflict illustrates a remarkable global commitment to defending Ukraine against Russian aggression. From Spanish-speaking units in the Khartiia National Guard to Georgian fighters capturing enemy troops, these volunteers play vital roles on the front lines. Tragically, many have lost their lives, such as Czech volunteer Jirka Kotrla and Hungarian fighter Benjamin Asher. Their sacrifices underline the risks faced by those who join this fight. The Ukrainian government has recognized this service by proposing extended stays for foreign volunteers and even compensating families of fallen fighters. With these efforts, Ukraine continues to receive robust international support in their struggle for sovereignty and peace.

What role do volunteer soldiers play in Ukraine's defense?

Volunteer soldiers significantly contribute to Ukraine's defense by bringing diverse skills and experiences from around the world. They serve in various units, boosting combat effectiveness and helping to fill critical gaps in human resources, which aids in strategic and tactical operations.

How does Ukraine support foreign volunteer soldiers?

Ukraine supports foreign volunteer soldiers by offering broader service opportunities, including choices of combat brigades and specialties based on the individual's skills. The Rada is also considering extending stay privileges for those whose contracts have expired, reflecting its appreciation for their commitment.

What are the risks faced by international volunteers in Ukraine?

International volunteers in Ukraine face significant risks, including the potential for being captured, wounded, or killed in action. Many have already made the ultimate sacrifice, highlighting the dangerous and unpredictable nature of modern warfare in the region.

Have there been legislative changes to aid volunteer soldiers in Ukraine?

Yes, legislative changes in Ukraine have been made to support volunteer soldiers. This includes new measures allowing foreign nationals to serve under contract and proposed extensions for stay and service terms for foreign volunteers, enhancing their engagement in the defense forces.

How has international involvement shaped Ukraine's response to the conflict?

International involvement through volunteer soldiers has significantly reinforced Ukraine's military capabilities. It allows for knowledge exchange and boosts morale, showing global solidarity and putting pressure on aggressors. This external support complements Ukraine's strategic military efforts on various front lines.

show details

News volunteer soldiers

Two US citizens in HUR’s International Legion killed in early December American volunteers Jones Ty Wingate and Brian Zacherl killed in battles for Ukraine In early December, while carrying out a combat mission in the war in Ukraine, servicemen of the International Legion, U.S. citizens Jones Ty Wingate and Brian Zacherl, were killed. 7 544 12 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Spanish-speaking Colombians train with Khartiia brigade in Ukraine Spanish-speaking unit of Khartiia National Guard brigade: Colombian fighters train and prepare to defend Ukraine. VIDEO Weapons handling, medical aid and combat tactics are part of the basic training for new recruits in one of the units of the National Guard’s Khartiia brigade. Orders here, however, are given in Spanish. The unit was formed this spring and named after the first fallen Colombian fighter, call sign "Guajiro". 3 331 11 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Czech volunteer fighterJirka Kotrla died in the war in Ukraine 27-year-old Czech volunteer fighter Jirka Kotrla killed fighting for Ukraine. PHOTO A 27-year-old Czech citizen, Jirka Kotrla, who had been listed as missing in action, was killed in fighting against Russian occupiers near Izium in Kharkiv region. 4 544 9 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Kyiv bids farewell to volunteer fighterBenjamin Asher Kyiv bids farewell to Hungarian volunteer fighter Benjamin Asher, who served in Third Assault Brigade. PHOTOS A farewell ceremony was held on Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) in Kyiv for Benjamin Asher, a volunteer fighter from Hungary who fought with the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade and was killed in May this year. 3 344 12 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Georgians capture two Russians Georgian soldiers in Armed Forces of Ukraine captured two Russian infantrymen in Vovchansk direction. VIDEO A unit of Georgian fighters serving in Ukraine’s Defense Forces captured two Russian infantrymen during a clearance operation on the Vovchansk front in Kharkiv region. 7 067 10 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

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. 5 348 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. 1 109 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. 9 679 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. 1 744 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. 8 961 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. 5 438 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. 3 226 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. 5 172 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. 4 588 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. 7 155 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. 4 225 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. 5 129 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. 2 865 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. 3 847 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. 5 030 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). 7 906 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. 8 398 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. 23 643 111

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. 9 211 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. 2 356 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. 4 873 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. 2 601 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. 4 898 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. 4 704 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. 1 759 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. 4 295 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. 5 086 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. 1 735 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. 17 751 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. 4 309 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. 5 614 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. 1 926 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. 20 723 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. 26 193 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. 5 735 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. 13 224 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. 3 703 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. 9 136 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. 3 022 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. 24 917 110

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. 11 436 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. 2 417 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. 5 275 8

Page 1 of 6