Ukraine approves law allowing foreigners to serve as officers in Ukrainian military

Ukrainian deputy Yaroslav Zhelezniak wrote on social media that the Ukrainian parliament approved the draft law, which proposes changes to the procedure for foreigners and stateless persons serving in the Ukrainian military under contract, reports Militarnyi.

Foreigners will have to undergo a special background check to sign a contract with the country’s armed forces. This check will verify the legality of their stay in Ukraine and examine any past administrative or criminal charges under Ukrainian law. It will also identify any ties to foreign intelligence activities against Ukraine or other factors that could prevent their acceptance for military service.

Additionally, candidates will undergo psychophysiological testing using a polygraph with their consent and will provide written consent for further checks during their service. Refusal to participate will be grounds for denying their contract.

Zhelezniak also noted that a foreign recruitment center will be established. The Ukrainian government will approve the regulations for recruiting foreigners and stateless persons into military service under contract. The center will conduct special checks on foreign applicants.

Furthermore, the law will allow foreign persons to sign contracts for officer positions with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, and the National Guard of Ukraine. Currently, foreigners can only serve as soldiers and sergeants.

To enable the procedure, the draft law proposes removing a clause from Ukraine’s “Law on Military Duty and Military Service” that restricts foreigners from holding officer ranks unless they obtain Ukrainian citizenship.

Officer contracts will be offered for terms ranging from one to five years.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that foreign fighters and their families would be eligible for Ukrainian citizenship.

“Every warrior defending Ukraine, our people, and our independence deserves recognition and maximum support,” said Zelenskyy.

It includes soldiers who are currently citizens of other countries but not yet obtained the Ukrainian citizenship. They, along with their families, deserve to become Ukrainian citizens, according to the president.

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