Throughout 2026, Ukraine has made significant strides in incorporating international volunteer soldiers into its defense efforts. With about 16,000 foreign volunteers from 72 diverse countries participating, Ukraine benefits immensely from the expertise and dedication of these global allies. Despite delays in creating a systematic recruitment process, the Ukrainian government has taken steps to strengthen legal and support frameworks for these volunteers. President Zelenskyy underlined the importance of expanding opportunities for foreign recruits, who fill approximately 50% of assault npositions. The issue of volunteer integration remains complex, with thousands more waiting to aid Ukraine, and funding restrictions hampers swift recruitment.
How many foreign volunteers are currently serving in Ukraine's defense forces?
Approximately 16,000 foreign volunteers from 72 nations are currently serving in Ukraine's defense forces. They represent a vital component of Ukraine’s combat capabilities, contributing their diverse military skills and experiences to help defend the country against aggression.
What challenges do foreign volunteers face in joining Ukraine's military?
Foreign volunteers face several challenges, including bureaucratic delays in recruitment processes, funding shortages for transfer to Ukraine, and legal barriers. The Ukrainian government is working to streamline these processes to enable smoother integration of volunteers into military roles.
What are the legal protections for foreign volunteers in Ukraine?
The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has approved a bill aimed at strengthening the legal protection of foreign nationals and stateless persons in military service. This includes clarifying legal status, service terms, and the rights of foreign volunteers.
How has the involvement of foreign volunteers impacted military operations in Ukraine?
Foreign volunteers have played a crucial role in Ukraine’s military operations, participating in key offensives and defensive missions. Their engagement has led to significant achievements, such as the liberation of territories and strategic victories against opposing forces in several regions.
What is the Ukrainian government's stance on foreign volunteer recruitment?
The Ukrainian government supports the recruitment of foreign volunteers and has initiated reforms to enhance their involvement. This includes the implementation of transparent mechanisms for supporting volunteers and increased recruitment efforts as instructed by President Zelenskyy.
What steps has Ukraine taken to support foreign volunteers financially?
Although there are significant funding constraints, Ukraine has prioritized increasing military pay and allocating resources to support foreign volunteers. Efforts are ongoing to secure more funds to facilitate the transportation and integration of these international fighters into Ukrainian military structures.
Videos news volunteer soldiers
Over past year, Ukraine has managed to bring in around 3,000 foreign volunteers, whilst there is a waiting list of tens of thousands of applicants, – Butusov. VIDEO In 2026, Ukraine managed to bring in around 3,000 foreign volunteers, whilst tens of thousands more are still waiting in line. 7 452 17 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces Foreigners in AFU
Five foreign assault troops from ’Khartiia’ brigade, supported by drones, cleared occupier position in Kupiansk district. VIDEO Five foreign volunteers from the Ukrainian Defence Forces, supported by strike drone operators, cleared a position held by Russian occupiers in the Kupiansk district. Following the battle, the Ukrainian defenders also collected war trophies left behind by the enemy. 6 806 6 Previously in trend: Fighting in the Kupіansk direction
Foreign volunteers eliminate occupiers who were "looking" for them near Kupiansk: "Well? ’Khartiia’ is here, and where are you, f#ggots?". VIDEO 18+ Fighters from the Strike Groups Company (R.U.G) of the 23rd Assault Regiment of the National Guard of Ukraine’s Khartiia 2nd Corps have released footage showing the bodies of Russian assault troops killed in the Kupiansk direction. 8 902 16 Previously in trend: Fighting in the Kupіansk direction
Foreign volunteers from "Khartiia" liberate 7.5 sq km of forest and part of Zapadne in Kharkiv region. VIDEO Foreign volunteers from the 23rd R.U.G. Assault Regiment, part of the 2nd Khartiia Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine, carried out an operation in Kharkiv region, liberating 7.5 square kilometres of forest from Russian forces. 2 804 9 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces deoccupation of the territory
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. 3 806 58 Previously in trend: Reforms in the army
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. 4 808 32 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces Fighting in the Volchansk direction
23rd "R.U.G" Assault Regiment of 2nd "Khartiia" Corps of National Guard of Ukraine carried out successful assault operation in Vovchansk direction. VIDEO In April–May 2026, fighters from the 23rd Assault Regiment "R.U.G" of the 2nd Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine "Khartiia" carried out an assault operation in the Vovchansk direction, during which assault groups crossed the line of contact and cleared the enemy’s forward defensive line to a... 8 006 2 Previously in trend: Fighting in the Volchansk direction
Zelenskyy honoured soldiers and families of fallen on occasion of Volunteer Day. VIDEO On the occasion of Ukrainian Volunteer Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented state awards to servicemen of the Security and Defence Forces of Ukraine and civilians, and also presented awards to the families of fallen defenders. 2 365 26 Previously in trend: Awarding awards to military
Ze-propagandist Zolkin was outraged by question of why he was not going to war as volunteer: "Are you #ucking crazy or something?". VIDEO Popular blogger and interviewer Volodymyr Zolkin, known for his conversations with Russian prisoners of war, reacted sharply to viewers' accusations about his personal involvement in combat operations. According to Censor.NET, during one of his broadcasts, Zolkin was outraged by the question of... 28 059 127 Previously in trend: Mobilisation in Ukraine
South American volunteers of Khartiia brigade clear Kupiansk city council building. VIDEO A reconnaissance-strike group of South American volunteers from the NGU "Khartiia" brigade conducted a special operation to clear the city council building in Kupiansk. 9 487 17 Previously in trend: Close-quarters combat Fighting in the Kupіansk direction
Belarusian volunteer snipers eliminate five occupiers in treeline. VIDEO Footage has surfaced online showing Belarusian volunteer snipers engaging the occupiers in a tree line. 5 885 5 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Elimination of Russian occupiers
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. 7 378 10 Previously in trend: captured 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. 2 752 2 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces
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. 1 985 4 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces
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. 18 244 53 Previously in trend: Close-quarters combat Elimination of Russian occupiers
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. 2 082 2 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupiers
"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. 5 892 18 Previously in trend: Contract 18-24
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. 13 415 41 Previously in trend: Trump-Zelenskyy dispute
Soldiers of Kalinoŭski’s regiment are engaged in small arms battle with enemy. VIDEO Belarusian volunteers from the Kastuś Kalinoŭski regiment, together with their colleagues from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, are engaged in a small arms battle with the enemy. 4 602 4 Previously in trend: War
Grenade launchers of Kalinowsky’s regiment destroy occupiers near Lyptsi, Kharkiv oblast. VIDEO Grenade gunners from the regiment named after Kastus Kalinowsky showed the fragments of their combat work near the village of Lyptsi in Kharkiv region. 4 296 3 Previously in trend: War
Australian volunteer defends position near Levadne in Zaporizhzhia with his Ukrainian counterparts. VIDEO of battle A video with fragments of the battle with the occupiers near the village of Levadne in Zaporizhzhia region was published online. 6 376 3 Previously in trend: War
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. 9 811 8 Previously in trend: War
Soldiers of Belarusian Kalinoŭski Regiment showed footage of battles near village of Lyptsi in Kharkiv region: "Struggle continues". VIDEO Soldiers of the Belarusian regiment named after Kastus Kalinoŭski published a video showing footage of battles with Russian occupiers near the village of Lyptsi in Kharkiv region. 5 742 5 Previously in trend: War
Belarusian volunteers destroyed camouflaged enemy gun 2A36 "Hyacinth-B". VIDEO FPV drone operators of the Belarusian regiment named after Kastus Kalinowski destroyed a Russian 2A36 Hyacinth-B gun. 4 613 16 Previously in trend: War
Truth about CHOSEN COMPANY: Did Americans kill Russian prisoners?. VIDEO About the impressive and legendary video of this war, one of the craziest assault operations in August 2023, the scandal in The New York Times, and war crimes charges. Ryan O'Leary, one of the most respected people in the Russian-Ukrainian war, told Butusov Plus channel about this and more: an... 14 986 6 Previously in trend: War
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. 3 636 2 Previously in trend: War
Soldiers of Assault Brigade "Liut (Fury - ed. note)" appealed to police officers to join ranks of unit. VIDEO Soldiers of the United Assault Brigade of the National Police Liut (Fury - ed. note)" appealed to fellow police officers to join the ranks of the unit. 17 625 77 Previously in trend: War
Soldiers of Ukrainian Volunteer Army need batteries for FPV drones and repeater. VIDEO Soldiers of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army urgently need batteries for FPV drones and a repeater. 2 912 6 Previously in trend: Volunteers for the Army
Occupier, fleeing from shelling, jumps into trench to soldiers of Armed Forces of Ukraine, who have entered rear of enemy position. VIDEO Ukrainian soldiers captured a Russian occupier who had jumped into a trench, believing that Russian soldiers were there. 41 080 95 Previously in trend: War
Chechen volunteer soldiers destroy Russian truck from ambush. VIDEO A group of Chechen volunteer soldiers ambushed and destroyed a Russian army truck. 26 808 80 Previously in trend: War
Russian volunteer formations that entered Belgorod region reported on implementation of special operation. VIDEO The Russian anti-Putin volunteer formation RVC, which entered the Belgorod region of the Russian Federation, had no casualties. There are only wounded. In turn, the "Legion of Freedom" also reported that 2 soldiers were killed and 10 soldiers were wounded. 39 425 156 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War
RVC volunteers deny Russian authorities’ statements about "liquidation of saboteurs" in Belgorod region. VIDEO "Russian Volunteer Corps suffered no casualties during its operation in Belgorod region. Relevant statements by Russian authorities and security forces are false. 20 385 24
Sheikh Mansour Battalion defending Ukraine near Bakhmut asks for help with purchase of two pickup trucks and a van. VIDEO Sheikh Mansour Battalion, which is currently defending Ukraine from Russian invaders in Bakhmut sector, is asking Ukrainians to help provide them with vehicles. The soldiers need 2 pickup trucks and 1 van so that they can continue to destroy our common enemy as effectively as possible. 9 234 27 Previously in trend: War
Memory of soldiers who died in war with Russian Federation since 2014 was commemorated in center of Kyiv. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Today, March 14, a ceremony was held to honor the soldiers who died in the Russian-Ukrainian war near the Wall of Memory of those who died for Ukraine, located near the St. Michael’s Golden-Top Monastery. 2 719 10 Previously in trend: War
Belarusian volunteers of regiment named after Kastus Kalinovsky captured enemy position on outskirts of Bakhmut. VIDEO Soldiers of the regiment named after Kastus Kalynovskyi showed a battle on the outskirts of Bakhmut, as a result of which they managed to capture an enemy position and, with the help of artillerymen, to defeat two enemy groups that tried to take it back. 36 022 15 Previously in trend: War
Combat work of "Milan" ATGM of "Volat" battalion of Belarusian regiment named after Kastus Kalinovsky. VIDEO Fighters of the "Volat" battalion of the Belorussian regiment named after Kastus Kalinovsky published fragments of the calculations of the "Milan" ATGM. 16 448 13 Previously in trend: War
Chechen soldiers from battalion named after Sheikh Mansur conduct street fight with Russian invaders near Bakhmut. VIDEO Footage of a street fight between fighters of the Chechen battalion named after Sheikh Mansur in the Bakhmut area has been published online. 20 500 10 Previously in trend: War
Belarusians from Kalinovsky’s regiment captured Russian cannon. VIDEO Fighters of the Belarusian regiment named after Kastus Kalinovsky captured a Russian cannon in good condition. 11 341 12 Previously in trend: War
"Poachers" unit showed footage of Russian tank destruction. VIDEO Ukrainian soldiers of Ukrainian Volunteer Army’s separate tactical group "Poachers" showed footage of the Russian occupants’ destroyed tank and an armored personnel carrier. 21 142 18 Previously in trend: War
In memory of commander of Belarusian "Volat" battalion Ivan Marchuk with call sign "Brest". ВIДЕО The commander of the "Volat" battalion of the Kastus Kalinovsky regiment, Belarusian Ivan Marchuk with the call sign "Brest" died in battles with the Russian invaders near Lysychansk in the Luhansk region. 13 927 24 Previously in trend: War
Georgian volunteers defeat enemy equipment by "Stugna" from long distance. VIDEO Ukrainian servicemen from the Georgian National Legion destroy enemy equipment using the "Stugna" anti-tank missile launcher. 18 653 19 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War
AFU's Foreign Legion entered Severodonetsk. Fighting for city continues. VIDEO 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. 36 121 33 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War
Dmytro Kotsyubail's volunteer unit destroys occupiers with artillery. VIDEO Dmytro Kotsyubail's volunteer unit destroys the occupiers with artillery. 21 441 17 Previously in trend: War
Headquarters of military medics of First Volunteer Mobile Hospital in Pinchuk's mansion. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Doctors of the First Volunteer Mobile Hospital set up headquarters at the mansion of Victor and Olena Pinchuk. 23 742 50
"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. VIDEO 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. 26 319 28 Previously in trend: War
"I think their attack is over today" - Ukrainian soldiers destroy occupiers with artillery. VIDEO Soldiers of the First Separate Assault Company of the Ukrainian Volunteer Corps destroyed enemy positions and the manpower of the Russian occupiers. 75 210 52 Previously in trend: War
Rally outside Rada: protesters demand simplified citizenship acquisition procedure for Donbas war veterans. VIDEO&PHOTOS Protesters gathered outside the building of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine calling on the parliament to consider a draft law simplifying the procedure for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship by foreigners who volunteered to fight in Donbas war waged by Russia. 3 012 56 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Donbas war veteran Vitalii Oleshko aka Sarmat gunned down by unidentified individual. VIDEO (WARNING! Viewer discretion advised) Member of the Donbas Battalion, Vitalii Oleshko, nom de guerre Sarmat, was shot dead by an unidentified person today, July 31. 55 397 310
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