More than 1,500 Ukrainians living abroad have applied to join the Ukrainian Legion in Poland. The Consul General of Ukraine in Lublin, Oleh Kuts, confirmed this during an interview on Slawa.tv’s “Ukrainian Focus” programme.
The applicants come from various European countries, with both men and women expressing interest in joining the unit. The Ukrainian government is now considering expanding the recruitment programme to other European nations, following the model successfully launched in Poland. In July 2024, reports indicated that the Czech Republic was also exploring the possibility of establishing a similar unit.
The Ukrainian Legion was created as the first volunteer unit within the Armed Forces of Ukraine to be composed of Ukrainians living abroad. Recruitment began in early October 2024, and volunteers serve on a contract basis. Training is conducted by NATO instructors at military training grounds in partner countries, ensuring that all recruits receive high quality preparation before deployment.
By November 2024, the first volunteers had taken their military oath of allegiance to the Ukrainian people, marking a significant milestone for the initiative. Those interested in joining must hold a Ukrainian passport and go through a structured recruitment process, which includes an interview, document verification, a medical examination, and ultimately the signing of a contract. The waiting period between completing the checks and officially joining is approximately two weeks.
In January 2025, reports confirmed that around 1,300 applications had already been received, with most candidates residing in Poland. However, interest extends beyond Polish borders, with volunteers also applying from Denmark, Germany, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and other European nations.
A key aim of the Ukrainian Legion is to combat disinformation that has led some Ukrainians abroad to fear inadequate training or a lack of proper equipment upon joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine. By adopting NATO standards, the Legion ensures that volunteers receive the highest level of preparation before they are sent to serve.
Prospective recruits can submit applications online through the official Ukrainian Legion website.
