Foreigners can now sign a contract with Armed Forces of Ukraine — Parliament voted
The Parliament of Ukraine (the Verkhovna Rada) has passed a bill that allows foreigners and stateless persons to sign a contract with the Armed Forces. A total of 276 MPs voted in favor.
This was reported by MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak in his Telegram on Thursday, October 10.
Foreigners can sign a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Zhelezniak said that the Parliament passed the bill in the second reading.
"The Verkhovna Rada adopted in general #12023 on amendments to the procedure for military service under contract by foreigners and stateless persons. The number of votes in favor was 276," the statement said.
As is known, this decision applies not only to signing contracts with the Armed Forces, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service but also to officer positions.
In addition, Ukraine plans to establish a center for the recruitment of foreigners, which will conduct thorough vetting. The following issues will be clarified:
- whether the said persons are legally present on the territory of Ukraine;
- whether they have been brought to administrative or criminal liability under the laws of Ukraine;
- whether they are connected with intelligence and subversive activities of foreign states against Ukraine;
- and other circumstances that may prevent such a person from being accepted for military service under a contract.
At the same time, the explanatory note to the bill states that this need arose due to the difficult operational situation on the contact line.
"The situation necessitates a significant increase in the combat personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations, both through additional mobilization efforts and voluntary recruitment. This includes individuals with relevant military specialties and combat experience, as well as foreigners and stateless persons, for contract-based military service," the document says.
Earlier, the lawyer explained that foreigners living in Ukraine are not subject to general mobilization. However, there is a condition allowing foreigners can join the armed forces.
We also reported that the Ministry of Defense announces the number of volunteers recruited every month.