Published 28th Feb, 2022

By Emmanuel Uti

Ukraine has created an International Legion of Territorial Defence for foreigners willing to participate in the fight against Russian forces.

On Sunday, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, asked foreigners to visit Ukrainian embassies worldwide to sign up for an “international brigade” of volunteers to assist in the battle against invading Russian soldiers.

In a statement posted on the presidential website, Zelensky said: “All foreigners wishing to join the resistance against the Russian occupiers and protect global security are invited by the Ukrainian leadership to come to our state and join the ranks of the territorial defence forces”.

“A separate unit is being formed from foreigners — the International Brigade of the Territorial Defence of Ukraine. This will be a key testimony of your support for our country.”

Zelensky said that Ukrainians were brave enough to battle Russia alone, but “this is not just a Russian invasion of Ukraine; it is the beginning of a war against Europe”.

He said anyone interested in joining should get in contact with the military attaché at their nearest Ukrainian embassy.

To enlist in the military unit, the first step is to contact the nearest Embassy of Ukraine, according to Ukrinform, the Ukrainian multimedia platform for broadcasting.

This can be done in three ways: going to the embassy in person, calling the embassy or sending an e-mail.

Foreigners need their national identity cards, passports for foreign travel, documents confirming military service experience (service in law enforcement and combat experience), and other documents on the instructions of a military attache or consul.

The next step is to “report to the embassy with a package of documents for an interview with a defence attaché and for visa clearance with a consul,” according to Ukrinform.

Step three is “write an application for admission to the territorial defence of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for contracted military service on a voluntary basis (defense attaché provides assistance)”.

After that, an applicant is expected to get instructions on how to arrive in Ukraine and the documents and equipment required.

Ukrinform said, “It is recommended that you wear your military uniform or parts of it, as well as your helmet, body armor, and other gear, if you have them”.

The next step is to cross into Ukraine in a designated manner.

Ukrinform said, “Representatives of Ukrainian embassies, consulates (abroad) and territorial defence forces in Ukraine will provide assistance in deployment. Their contacts will be provided at the Embassy of Ukraine in your country”.

“Upon arrival at the assembly point in Ukraine, join the Foreign Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine (sign a contract) and, together with soldiers from other countries and Ukrainian soldiers, join the fight against Russian invaders.”

On Thursday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, vowed to give weapons to anyone who would stand up for Ukraine.

In a tweet, Zelenskyy said, “We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Be ready to support Ukraine in the squares of our cities”.

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