Mobilization and contracts: How and where foreigners can join Ukraine’s Armed Forces

Military conscription does not apply to foreigners or stateless individuals residing in Ukraine, according to the Law of Ukraine “On Military Duty and Military Service.” However, those who serve in the Armed Forces, the State Special Transport Service, or the National Guard under contract are considered service members under Ukrainian law.

How foreigners can sign a contract with Ukraine’s Armed Forces

Foreign nationals and stateless persons may enlist for military service under contract if they have no prior convictions, are legally residing in Ukraine, and meet the following criteria:

• under the age of 60
• have completed a special screening for foreigners and stateless persons
• are deemed fit for military service based on health evaluations
• have passed professional and psychological assessments
• possess adequate physical training

Contracts for foreign nationals and stateless individuals include a two-month probationary period.

The list of positions that cannot be filled by foreigners or stateless persons is determined by Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and the Interior Ministry.

Contract service for foreigners: terms and conditions

To enlist in the military, foreign nationals and stateless persons must apply through the Center for Foreign Recruitment, general recruitment centers, administrative service centers, employment centers, territorial centers for recruitment and social support at their place of residence or temporary stay, or directly to the military unit where they wish to serve under contract.

After their applications are reviewed at recruitment centers, administrative service centers, employment centers, territorial recruitment centers, or military units, applicants—except those seeking to join a Defense Ministry intelligence agency—are sent to the Center for Foreign Recruitment for a special screening process.

Selection and special vetting for foreigners and stateless individuals applying to serve in the Defense Ministry’s intelligence agency is carried out under procedures set by that agency.

Foreigners and stateless persons who sign military contracts and are appointed to positions in Ukraine’s Armed Forces serve the following terms, counted in calendar years:

• enlisted personnel and junior sergeants: 3 years
• sergeants and senior sergeants: 3 to 5 years
• officers: 1 to 5 years

Can a foreign national be discharged from military service?

During a special period, foreign service members and stateless persons serving under contract have the right to terminate their contracts voluntarily—but only after completing at least six consecutive months of active duty.

According to paragraph 3, part 5, article 26 of the Law “On Military Duty and Military Service,” foreigners and stateless persons serving under contract in the Armed Forces, the State Special Transport Service, or the National Guard may request a discharge after no less than six months of continuous service.

In other words, a foreign or stateless service member can break their military contract only after six months of uninterrupted duty.

To be discharged, the service member must submit a formal request to resign from military service to their immediate commander. The request is reviewed within 14 days, after which the unit commander issues an order to terminate the military contract.