Ukraine plans to attract more foreign soldiers to its Armed Forces: what is known

The number of foreigners in the Armed Forces of Ukraine is expected to increase. At least, this is the expectation of the Ministry of Defense following the adoption of a new law by the Verkhovna Rada. The law allows citizens of other countries and stateless individuals to receive officer ranks in the Ukrainian army. Foreigners can now serve as unit commanders in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

This was reported in a story by TSN correspondent Dmytro Furdak.

Murray Seabrook, a native of Washington State in the United States, first learned about Ukraine when he was a schoolboy, playing the popular video game “S.T.A.L.K.E.R.,” which featured Chernobyl and Pripyat. Twenty years later, he now speaks Ukrainian and holds a Ukrainian passport.

Mr. Seabrook, a professional soldier, served in the U.S. Airborne Forces and was part of the American contingent in Afghanistan. In March 2022, he traveled to fight for Ukraine in the International Legion of the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence.

“I was watching the troop buildup near Ukraine’s borders, and it was clear to the entire civilized world that something big was coming. It’s impossible to fool the world by claiming "exercises." So, when it all started, as a soldier with relevant skills, it made perfect sense for me to come here and fight,” Seabrook said.

Among other things, Seabrook had already trained with Javelins back home - essential weapons in the early stages of the major conflict. Since spring 2022, his unit has become a significant fighting force.

“I’ve been here for quite a long time, and it’s just incredible to see how much our unit has grown during this time. This is very important to me,” he said.

Murray Seabrook is one of the first foreigners to receive Ukrainian citizenship. Now Sergeant Seabrook can become an officer, and with the new law, other foreigners and stateless individuals will also be able to receive officer ranks.

The Defence Intelligence welcomes these changes. First, it helps address the shortage of junior officers that has emerged in the third year of the war. Second, most foreigners who come to fight for Ukraine come from NATO countries and thus have Western training.

“In our unit, yes, we have ranks, names, call signs, structure, and positions, but what’s key for us is the competence of the person, and we highly value the input of a foreigner who is highly qualified, even if he’s a soldier or a sergeant, while we’re officers,” said a Defence Intelligence representative, Volodymyr.

Foreigners who join the Armed Forces of Ukraine have the right to terminate their three-year contract six months after it begins if they feel they made a mistake. In all other respects, they have the same rights and responsibilities as Ukrainian citizens.

“They are protected, they will receive medical treatment in case of injury, and they will receive financial support if injured. We don’t have first or second-class servicemen,” said Member of Parliament Yehor Cherniev.

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