Volodymyr Zelenskyy signs a decree that will regulate military service in Ukraine for foreign citizens

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 84/2024 "On the Regulations on Military Service in the National Guard of Ukraine by Foreigners and Stateless Persons". The adoption of such a document has long been demanded from the head of state by Ukrainian society and citizens of other states who have been fighting on the Ukrainian side since the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion.

"Foreigners who are legally on the territory of Ukraine, have not been previously convicted and meet the requirements for military service as defined by the Law of Ukraine "On Military Duty and Military Service" may be accepted on a voluntary basis (under contract) for military service in the National Guard of Ukraine",  the provision attached to the decree reads.

DH News tells who can be accepted into the ranks of the National Guard of Ukraine, what needs to be done, for how long and what military ranks foreign citizens can expect.

How can a foreigner become a member of the National Guard?

First of all, it should be noted that citizens of other countries will serve under a contract, which means they will receive a monetary reward for defending Ukraine from invasion of the occupiers. The President's decree also states that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine will determine the list of military positions to which foreigners will not be allowed in any case. The reason for this is that the National Guard is a structural unit within this department.

In order to be accepted into the ranks of the National Guard, foreign citizens need to apply to the territorial center for recruitment and social support at their place of residence or directly to the military unit of the National Guard in which they want to serve under contract. In addition, they will need to provide consent to the processing of personal data and consent to verification of the information they provide. All of this can be done in paper form or electronically, if the relevant military unit has such a technical capability. After that, applicants must undergo a medical examination by a military medical commission. The medical examination must take place in a medical institution belonging to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In addition, foreigners will need to undergo a professional and psychological selection and pass physical training standards.

"Foreigners who are first enlisted in the military take an official obligation to strictly observe the Constitution and laws of Ukraine and to faithfully perform the duties of military service", the document says.

If a candidate passes all the checks, he or she is issued a military ID card, which is a confirmation that they are now a member of the National Guard.

Military Ranks and Terms of Service for Foreigners

Regardless of whether a foreign citizen has military service experience in his/her home country and regardless of whether he/she has participated in other military operations abroad, he/she is promoted to the rank of private or sailor in the National Guard if he/she is enlisted for the first time in Ukraine. There is an exception to this rule - a foreigner can be promoted to the rank of junior sergeant, but this requires that he or she undergoes preliminary special military training at the appropriate level.

Further military ranks are awarded depending on the length of service and personal success in military service in the National Guard. For example, a junior sergeant must have served at least two years to be promoted to sergeant, and for a senior sergeant - at least 3 years.

The contract is concluded for a period of 3 years if a foreign citizen is enlisted in the National Guard as a private and for a period of 3 to 5 years as a junior sergeant. If a foreigner has served this period and wants to extend the contract, he or she will have the opportunity to do so for a period of 1 to 10 years. It should be noted that the contract becomes effective from the date of enrollment in the military unit's personnel lists.

Who will not be allowed to serve in the National Guard?

The Regulation on military service in the National Guard of Ukraine by foreigners and stateless persons provides for a number of exceptions and restrictions. In particular, those who:

• have an outstanding or unexpunged criminal conviction for a criminal offense;
• have been fined for a corruption offense within the last year;
• have not agreed to a background check;
• failed to provide a passport or identity document confirming their special status;
• provided false information or forged documents;
• has reached the age limit for military service;
• was illegally in the territory of Ukraine.

It should be clarified here that currently the maximum age for military service for persons holding the rank of private, sergeant and commissioned officer, junior and senior officers is 60 years; for persons holding the rank of senior officer - up to 65 years.

Military service for a foreigner ends only in case of dismissal from military service or death. It also ends if they are recognized by a court as missing or declared dead.