About 20,000 foreigners are serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine or are veterans
As of 2026, approximately 20,000 foreign volunteers in Ukraine are participating in combat operations as part of the Defense Forces or have already been granted veteran status.
This was reported during the presentation of a study at Ukrinform.
According to sociologist Oleksandra Zub, the participation of foreigners in the war against Russia has become a systemic phenomenon since 2022 and continues to grow. Currently, they account for approximately 2% of the total strength of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
At the same time, experts emphasize the need to transition from the ad hoc recruitment of foreigners to their full integration and the regulation of their legal status.
The study identified a number of challenges faced by foreign volunteers: lack of information, complex bureaucratic procedures, uncertain legal status, limited access to medical care and social services, language barriers, and instances of discrimination.
Experts also highlight the need to establish clear guidelines for Ukrainian Armed Forces commanders on working with foreign military personnel.
Legal experts emphasize that legislation in this area remains fragmented and requires systematic updating, despite some progress since 2015.
The authors of the study call for the creation of a comprehensive state policy that will provide foreign volunteers with a clear legal status and adequate social protection.
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