International Legions of Defense of Ukraine – in defense of freedom and justice

From the first days of full-scale Russian aggression, many foreigners took up arms to defend the freedom and independence of Ukraine side by side with Ukrainians. This is how the International Legions of Defense of Ukraine were created, where volunteers from more than 75 countries of the world serve alongside Ukrainians.

Currently, the International Legions are separate battalions that are directly subordinate to the command of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Their personnel perform the same duties and enjoy the same rights, including monetary and social security, as other military personnel of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. The soldiers of the legions took part in most of the main battles and enjoy well-deserved combat glory.

Before performing combat missions, volunteers undergo selection and thorough training under the guidance of experienced instructors with serious combat experience.

Currently, foreign volunteers serve in many units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, but the International Legions remain unique multinational units that have gone through a heroic path and enjoy well-deserved combat glory!

І International Legion

It was created on February 27, 2022, to provide an opportunity for foreign volunteers to join the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to fight together against russian aggression. From the first days of the war, the 1st International Legion has been at the forefront of the fight. Its fighters participated in the defense of Kharkiv and the Kharkiv counteroffensive, in the battles near Bakhmut and Soledar, and in many other offensive and defensive battles.

Each fighter has his own unique motivation for joining, but each of them does everything to help Ukrainians in the fight for independence. Despite different languages, religions, and nationalities, in the unit they all became brothers.

II International Legion

Formed in October 2022. The battalion's command structure was formed by the soldiers of the First International Special Forces Company of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who repelled the russian invasion in eastern Ukraine, in particular in the battles for Lysychansk, Siversk and Bakhmut. The unit united Ukrainians and foreigners for whom russian imperialism is an eternal threat.

Initially, the II International Legion united Ukrainians, Belarusians, Georgians and representatives of other peoples for whom this war is a struggle for the existence of their own statehood. Those who are ready to defend democracy, freedom and national independence, who want to put an end to russian imperialism, gathered here. The Legion also accepted many soldiers from all over the world - none of them wants to see our world ruled by nuclear strongmen who draw borders and erase nations at their whim. We take this fight personally, we stand together, and we will win.

ІІІ International Legion

A separate special forces battalion formed in 2022 in response to numerous requests from foreign citizens to defend Ukraine. Since August 2022, it has been involved in battles in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Kursk regions. It includes volunteers from over 20 countries. Among the awards received by the special forces battalion are the President of Ukraine's award - the medal "For Military Service to Ukraine", the Order "For Courage" of the 3rd degree, the Commander-in-Chief's honorary decorations "Golden Cross" and "Steel Cross", awards of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine - the medal "Badge of Honor" and the medal "For Wounds", breastplates of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine "For Military Valor", medals "To the Defender of Ukraine" and others.

IV International Legion

The unit is engaged in various tasks, in particular, the training of foreign volunteers who wish to join the ranks of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, but do not have experience of military service. Foreigners and Ukrainians with combat experience gained in the combat zone in Ukraine also serve here.

The unit signs a military contract, receives uniforms and equipment, completes a basic military service course and takes final exams. In the future, the choice of a military combat unit for service is made in accordance with the contract.

The unit uses three languages - English, Ukrainian, Spanish. All instructors have experience of military service and combat experience gained in Ukraine. The Legion trains recruits, as well as volunteers with experience of military service in their country, for better adaptation to modern combat conditions and expansion of basic knowledge.