On January 10, a new group of volunteers from the Ukrainian Legion, including three women, signed contracts with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, marking a significant step in strengthening Ukraine’s Defense Forces with support from its diaspora.
The Ukrainian Legion, a unique volunteer unit comprised of Ukrainians living abroad, welcomed its second wave of recruits in a formal signing event. This time, the group included three women who will serve as medical workers and communications specialists. According to the Ukrainian News Network (UNN), this marks a notable increase in participation compared to the first group of volunteers who joined in November 2024.
Petro Horkusha, representing the Ukrainian Legion command, emphasized the diverse contributions of the female volunteers, stating, “These women are stepping up to serve in critical roles, including medical and communication support.” The Legion’s leadership has not disclosed the exact number of contracts signed but indicated that it is twice the number of participants in the first group.
The Consul General of Ukraine in Lublin, Oleh Kuts, reported a significant rise in applications following the November enlistment. “We now have approximately 1,300 applications from across Europe and beyond,” Kuts shared in a statement to Radio Liberty. “The geographic reach has expanded beyond neighboring European countries to include volunteers from countries like Denmark and Germany. It’s also remarkable that women are joining in this round.”
Volunteers in this latest group hail from Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Slovakia, Denmark, and Germany. Their ages range from 20 to 55, reflecting a diverse cohort united by their commitment to support Ukraine’s defense.
One volunteer, Andriy, who has lived in Slovakia for five years, described his decision to join: “I understand the risks I’m taking. Most of my friends have been at war for a long time, and they inspired me to take this step. I believe my time has come.”
Training for the Ukrainian Legion is thorough and adaptive. The initial stage, conducted at a Polish training ground, has been extended from 35 days to 45 days to enhance its effectiveness. “This extension allows us to improve the training program and better prepare recruits,” a legion spokesperson explained.
The first group of volunteers who signed contracts in November 2024 has already moved on to advanced training. Some are training in specialized fields at Ukrainian facilities, while others are undergoing instruction at partner NATO training grounds across Europe.
The Ukrainian Legion operates exclusively on a voluntary basis, and its members sign formal contracts with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Equipped with modern weapons and gear, the Legion is designed to maintain high combat readiness and effectiveness. Its training is conducted by NATO instructors, ensuring that members are prepared to meet the challenges of modern warfare.
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