Foreign units are transforming to become stronger

The International Legions of Ukraine's Defense Forces have been integrated into the assault units of the Ground Forces. They have gained new career opportunities and strengthened their capabilities with new weapons and military equipment. Foreign units are not disappearing. They are being transformed to become stronger. Instead of being separate “light” battalions, they are being integrated into effective and experienced units of the Ground Forces.

This is a logical step, as legionnaires are servicemen of special purpose battalions within the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Assault operations and counter-sabotage operations are exactly what the legion personnel have been engaged in since the first days of their formation. Integration into other units does not diminish their level, but rather increases their capabilities, provides quality protection for servicemen on the battlefield, and ensures reinforcement with unmanned systems, artillery, and aerial reconnaissance. Foreign units have gained access to the resources and logistics of regular formations.

The combat tasks for the personnel of the international legions remain unchanged. Soldiers continue to work in the same areas and under the same conditions. The only difference is the increased support, which significantly enhances their combat resilience. Legionnaires also have the opportunity to develop and retrain as UAV operators, artillerymen, reconnaissance personnel, or specialists in rear positions according to their competencies.

Most foreigners have not only remained in the ranks, but are also independently recruiting new colleagues from abroad to their new units, as they see prospects for their development rather than threats.

At the same time, there is an ongoing discussion in the media about the integration of the legions, which is being presented as liquidation. During an official inspection, some violations were found in the organization of accounting and management processes that needed to be addressed and fixed. Some of the public comments that appeared later don't show the whole picture and might be linked to some officials not wanting to lose their roles or positions after the decisions were made. We emphasize that the steps taken are aimed solely at increasing the transparency, accountability, and combat readiness of the units, and not at terminating the activities of foreigners in the ranks of the Ground Forces.

We value every foreign volunteer and are removing barriers between our citizens and foreigners. Representatives of other countries who defend our land have exactly the same rights, social guarantees, and, most importantly, the same level of support and security as Ukrainian soldiers.