Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedоров has announced plans for the establishment of numerous companies tasked with recruiting foreign nationals to serve in the Ukrainian military. In a recent interview, he emphasized that this initiative aims to bring thousands of foreign fighters to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Fedоров stated, “This is a well-established mechanism. There are already several recruitment centers in Ukraine that have successfully brought in hundreds and even thousands of foreign personnel.” He expressed confidence that the number of such companies will grow, potentially facilitating the arrival of thousands of recruits each month.
According to Fedоров, the competitive salaries offered to foreign soldiers on the front lines are a significant draw. He noted that the government is working to create a transparent market for these recruitment services, free from corruption and bureaucratic obstacles. A new procurement procedure for these services is set to be introduced soon.
The Defense Minister explained that the recruitment process for foreign nationals has already been streamlined, covering aspects such as visa exemptions, logistics, and training costs. He pointed out that Ukraine recently opened its private air defense market, which has seen the emergence of 30 companies, and aims to replicate this model for foreign military recruitment.
“Companies engaged in this recruitment will be able to obtain licenses quickly and transparently, receiving 300,000 UAH for each foreign recruit,” Fedоров added. He mentioned that payments would be made gradually to ensure that the quality of training and preparation meets the necessary standards for effective military integration.
As part of its broader military strategy, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense aims for foreign nationals to fill up to 50% of assault and infantry positions within the armed forces. This move reflects a significant shift in Ukraine’s approach to bolstering its military capabilities amid ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedоров has announced plans to recruit foreign soldiers, aiming to fill up to 50% of certain military positions with non-nationals. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict.