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Foreign volunteers continue to play a pivotal role in Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. Tragic losses include Australian Russell Allan Wilson and Americans Jones Ty Wingate and Brian Zacherl. The International Legion mourns these volunteers who sacrificed their lives. Meanwhile, Ukraine's legislative body moves forward, passing a bill to simplify the status and benefits for foreign fighters. The recent resolution by the Cabinet of Ministers allows foreigners greater access to join Ukraine's military. These measures aim to bolster the integration and flexibility for those willing to join the Ukrainian defense forces. Moreover, specialized units such as Khartiia's Spanish-speaking brigade highlight diverse contributions, as Colombian fighters train rigorously to reinforce Ukraine's defenses.

What role do foreign volunteers play in Ukraine's Armed Forces?

Foreign volunteers are integral to Ukraine's defense efforts, participating in combat operations and forming specialized brigades. Their involvement reflects international solidarity against aggression, contributing manpower, expertise, and morale to the Ukrainian military efforts.

What are the recent legislative changes for foreign volunteers in Ukraine?

Recent legislative changes include the adoption of a bill simplifying the legal status of foreign volunteers, granting temporary residence permits, and clarifying medical support procedures. This aims to enhance the integration and support of foreign participants in Ukraine's military efforts.

Which countries have volunteers fighting in Ukraine?

Volunteers from numerous countries, including the USA, Australia, UK, Spain, Colombia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, Italy, Georgia, and Belarus, have joined Ukraine's military forces, reflecting a wide spectrum of international support for Ukraine’s defense.

What opportunities are open for foreign volunteers in Ukraine's Armed Forces?

Foreign volunteers can now choose their combat brigade and direction within Ukraine's Armed Forces, depending on their skills and experience, thanks to recent policy changes. These opportunities aim to better employ foreign fighters according to their expertise and preferences.

How does Ukraine honor fallen foreign volunteers?

Ukraine honors fallen foreign volunteers through ceremonies and recognition by military and governmental bodies. Such gestures emphasize the gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by these individuals in defense of Ukrainian sovereignty.

What training do foreign volunteers receive in Ukraine?

Foreign volunteers undergo comprehensive training that includes weapons handling, medical aid, and combat tactics. This prepares them effectively for various roles within the Ukrainian military, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute to defense operations.

Are there language-specific military units in Ukraine?

Yes, there are language-specific units, such as the Khartiia National Guard brigade, which operates primarily in Spanish. This allows Spanish-speaking volunteers, like Colombians, to integrate more smoothly and effectively into the Ukrainian military structure.

Has there been a significant number of foreign casualties in Ukraine?

Yes, there have been significant casualties among foreign volunteers in Ukraine. The conflicts have claimed the lives of several volunteers from various countries, underscoring the risks faced and the ultimate sacrifices made in the defense of Ukraine.

How is Ukraine facilitating foreign military service?

Ukraine is facilitating foreign military service by legally enlisting foreigners and stateless persons under contract, offering them residency rights, and accommodating their service preferences. These steps aim to attract and retain skilled volunteers in the Armed Forces.

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Latest news foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Kyiv bids farewell to fallen Brazilian volunteer Kaua da Silva Kyiv bids farewell to 22-year-old Brazilian volunteer Kaua Victor da Silva who defended Ukraine. PHOTOS At the National Military Memorial Cemetery in Kyiv, a farewell ceremony was held for fallen Brazilian volunteer Kaua Victor da Silva, callsign Kurt. He will be 22 forever. 4 571 18 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

A 28-year-old Polish volunteer died in the Kharkiv region 28-year-old Polish volunteer Kacper Bass ("Frenchman") died in hospital after being wounded in fighting in Kharkiv region. PHOTO 28-year-old Polish volunteer Kacper Bass, nicknamed "Frenchman," died from wounds sustained in late December during combat operations in the Kharkiv region. 4 226 8 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Australian volunteer Russell Allan Wilson killed in the war in Ukraine Australian volunteer Russell Allan Wilson killed in fighting for Ukraine. PHOTO Volunteer fighter and Australian citizen Russell Allan Wilson was killed in Russia’s war against Ukraine. He died in combat on Dec. 12 near Pokrovsk in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. 7 303 16 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

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. 7 681 12 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

UK soldier dies in accident during weapons testing in Ukraine UK soldier killed in Ukraine during tests of "new weapons" A member of the UK Armed Forces has been killed in a "tragic accident" during tests of a new weapon system in Ukraine. 6 679 11 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". 3 365 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. 4 649 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. 3 372 12 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine foreign volunteers in the armed forces

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. 5 378 19 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

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. 1 025 4 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. 1 133 7 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces Foreigners in AFU

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. 8 989 40 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

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. 3 259 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. 5 192 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. 4 603 9 Previously in trend: Enemy losses foreign volunteers in the armed forces

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. 4 233 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. 5 148 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. 2 882 16 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces Foreigners in AFU

Nauseda honours SOF soldiers for evacuating the body of a Lithuanian volunteer Nauseda honours SOF soldiers for evacuating fallen volunteer Valentėlis. PHOTOS Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda awarded the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the evacuation of the fallen Lithuanian volunteer Tomas Valentėlis, who had been defending Ukraine in the ranks of the Foreign Legion. 3 631 12 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. 3 867 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. 5 039 12 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Belarusian volunteer fighters in the Ukrainian army Enemy transport, 120mm mortar, occupiers and communication systems destroyed: Kalinoŭski Regiment fighters fight back against occupiers in Zaporizhzhia direction. VIDEO Drone operators from the Kastus Kalinoŭski Regiment have destroyed enemy vehicles, a 120mm mortar, personnel, antennas, and communication equipment on the Zaporizhzhia direction. 1 619 1 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

British volunteer Chris Garrett killed British volunteer Chris Garrett, who was involved in demining, killed in Ukraine. PHOTO Chris Garrett, a former British Army soldier who came to Ukraine to help with mine clearance after the retreat of Russian troops in 2022, died in Ukraine. 5 733 12 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

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. 2 604 2 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

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. 1 761 4 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces

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. 4 321 30 Previously in trend: foreign volunteers in the armed forces