Zelenskyy Signs New Law Allowing Foreigners to Serve as Officers in Ukrainian Military

New Legislation Paves Way for Foreigners to Have Officer Roles And Lead in Ukrainian Armed Forces Amid Rising Battlefield Needs

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed into law a groundbreaking bill that allows foreign nationals and stateless individuals to hold officer positions within the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF). Known as Bill No. 12023, this legislation was signed on October 25 following approval by the Ukrainian Parliament on October 10.

Prior to this, foreign nationals were restricted to non-officer roles, limited to the ranks of private and sergeant. The change comes in response to pressing needs on Ukraine’s front lines, with an explanatory note accompanying the bill stressing the operational demands for increased UAF personnel and other military formations.

The new law grants foreign individuals the ability to sign contracts with the UAF, the State Special Transport Service, and the National Guard, enabling them to serve in officer roles.

In addition, the legislation establishes a specialized recruitment center for foreign candidates, where individuals will undergo comprehensive background checks. These checks aim to verify candidates’ legal residency in Ukraine, assess any criminal or administrative records under Ukrainian law, and rule out any affiliations with foreign intelligence or sabotage groups that may target Ukraine.

In a related development, the Ukrainian Parliament passed another bill in August 2024, offering foreign fighters the possibility of acquiring Ukrainian citizenship. This reflects an increasing openness towards foreign contributions to Ukraine’s defense efforts amid ongoing conflict.