International Legion (Ukraine)
The International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine, or the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, is a military unit of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine composed of foreign volunteers. It was created on 27 February 2022 by the Ukrainian government at the request of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to fight against the Russian invasion of the country.
| International Legion | |
|---|---|
| Інтернаціональний легіон | |
Emblem of the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine | |
| Founded | 27 February 2022 |
| Allegiance | Ukraine |
| Branch | Territorial Defense Forces Main Directorate of Intelligence |
| Type | Infantry and special operations |
| Role | Anti-tank warfare Clandestine operation Cold-weather warfare Counterintelligence Direct action Force protection HUMINT Internal security Irregular warfare Long-range penetration Military intelligence Patrolling Raiding Reconnaissance Special operations Urban warfare |
| Size |
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| Motto(s) | "Join the Brave" & "F" |
| Anniversaries | March 7 |
| Engagements |
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| Website | |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Colonel Ruslan Miroshnichenko |
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that by 6 March 2022 more than 20,000 volunteers from 52 countries had enlisted to fight for Ukraine; several thousand more reportedly joined after the announcement. Kuleba withheld further demographic details, citing that several nations forbid their citizens from fighting for foreign governments. However, a New York Times investigation in March 2023 found that there may be only 1,500 members in the organization, including many who have engaged in fraud and stolen valour.
As of February 2024, the legion includes people from 60 countries.