Volunteers from 16 countries are heading to join Ukraine’s foreign legion, Foreign Minister Kuleba says.
At an online briefing on March 2, Kuleba didn’t specify from which countries. The unit is officially called the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine.
They are “already coming to Ukraine who are ready to fight shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian people against the aggressor,” he said, referring to Russia which has waged a war since 2014 and launched a full-scale invasion of the country on Feb. 24.
The Kyiv Post found a Finnish reservist already in the country. He took a picture of himself dressed in a Ukrainian uniform and posted under the Twitter handle of rsiren.
According to his profile, he is a developer of renewable fuels.
“People from all over the world have come here to help to defend Ukraine. My bunkmates are Norwegian and American. There is still plenty of room for more!” he said.
Kuleba added that an international anti-war coalition is forming with 86 participating countries and 15 international organizations so far.
“Nineteen countries are giving weapons to Ukraine, several of them doing so for the first time in their history,” he said. “Ten countries provide macro-financial assistance and 22 countries provide humanitarian assistance.”
The Military Times published a list of steps to take for those wishing to join the international fighting unit in Ukraine:
- Apply to the Embassy of Ukraine in your country with the intention of joining the Foreign Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine (ask a military diplomat or consul for details). Applicants can visit the Embassy in person, call or send an email to start the process.
- Get your documents in order. This includes ID, a passport to travel abroad, documents confirming military service or work with law enforcement agencies and participation in combat.
- Arrive at the embassy with documents for an interview with the defense attaché and the settlement of any visa issues with the consul.
- Write an application for enlistment in the Territorial Defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for military service under a contract on a voluntary basis. (This is in addition to Step 1.)
- Receive instructions on how to arrive in Ukraine and what to bring. Military clothing, equipment, helmet, body armor, combat gloves, tactical glasses, belts and vests are recommended. “It is not obligatory,” the official said, “but a foreign soldier in his national uniform looks good for the International Legion.”
- Go to Ukraine in an organized manner. Representatives of Ukrainian embassies, consulates (abroad) and Territorial Defense in Ukraine will provide assistance on the way. Contacts will be provided at the Embassy of Ukraine in your country.
Cutline: A man saying is a Finnish reservist says he is in Ukraine and has joined the country’s foreign legion.
Credit: https://twitter.com/rsiren2
