Ukraine Sets Unified Rules for Foreign Recruits

Ukraine has approved a new framework for recruiting and supporting foreign volunteers, aiming to standardize how non-Ukrainian fighters enter service.

Under the new rules, only Ukrainian-registered companies that pass a government vetting process will be allowed to work with foreign volunteers. According to the Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov, these companies must meet legal and security criteria, have no links to Russia and face no sanctions, and pay a Hr.5 million (roughly $112.444) security deposit before they can operate in this field. 

Once accredited, the companies will be responsible for guiding volunteers through every step – from first contact to signing a contract with Ukraine’s armed forces.

“Our goal is to scale up the involvement of foreign volunteers and create a transparent, clear support mechanism,” Fedorov said, adding that “this will allow us to systematically strengthen combat units while preserving the lives of Ukrainian service members.”

How the new mechanism works

Authorities say the goal is to make the system more transparent while expanding the pool of motivated foreign recruits. By putting professional companies under clear obligations, Kyiv hopes to improve screening, ensure proper documentation, and provide consistent support to candidates, while avoiding the informal or ad hoc arrangements that sometimes characterized earlier waves of foreign enlistment. 

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The newly approved procedure covers the entire journey of a foreign volunteer – from paperwork to medical checks, training, and eventual integration into combat units. Accredited companies will arrange visas and other documents, as well as organize transport to Ukraine and provide accommodation and meals once the volunteers arrive.

After initial processing, volunteers will undergo background checks, medical evaluation, and basic general military training before joining the armed forces, serving on the same terms as Ukrainian soldiers – including pay, duties, and disciplinary rules.

The total cost of services for each candidate is estimated to be Hr.300,000 (about $6,747), paid in stages as different parts of the process are completed.

“If a candidate fails the military medical commission or refuses to sign a contract, the company must cover the cost of returning them to their country of departure,” Fedorov said.

Strengthening foreign participation in Ukraine’s defense

The government has placed clear accountability on the recruiting firms, which must guarantee the legality of all procedures and the authenticity of documents submitted on behalf of volunteers. 

This structure is meant to limit abuses, not participation. Foreign volunteers have been a visible part of Ukraine’s defense effort since the beginning of the war, joining units such as the International Legion and other formations.

A clearer, more controlled system allows for the protection of both volunteers and Ukrainian structures from legal and security problems.

“Foreign volunteers are already an important part of the Defense Forces,” Fedorov said. “The new rules will create more opportunities to attract motivated people from around the world – transparently and under unified rules.”

Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, the reform signals to partner countries that Kyiv is treating foreign enlistment as a regulated, state-managed contribution to its defense, rather than an informal side channel.