Ukraine to Offer Citizenship to Foreign Fighters and Their Families

Foreign volunteers serving in the Ukrainian Defense Forces, along with their family members, will have the opportunity to obtain Ukrainian citizenship.

This was announced by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.

“Every warrior who defends the Ukrainian state, protects our people, defends our independence deserves recognition and maximum support. This applies, in particular, to those of our soldiers—Ukrainian legionnaires—who currently have the citizenship of other states, but not yet of Ukraine. They deserve to be our citizens, citizens of Ukraine. It is also fair to extend this to their families, to the families of our heroes,” the President said.

Foreign volunteers defending Ukraine

On July 22, Militarnyi reported that the Georgian special services, following Russian agencies, put Georgian volunteers who fought on the side of Ukraine on the wanted list.

The State Security Service of Georgia also began summoning for interrogation Georgian volunteers who participated in the defense of Ukraine in other units.

At least two volunteers, Nadim Khmaladze and Lasha Chigladze, were notified of being summoned to court.

In June, it was reported that the International Legion, a special unit with foreigners serving in it, was involved in the defense of Chasiv Yar.

The Legion united volunteers from more than 50 countries who, after the full-scale invasion, came to the aid of Ukrainians and fought against Russian troops.

In February 2024, President Zelensky signed a decree allowing foreigners to serve in the National Guard of Ukraine.

Foreigners who legally reside in Ukraine, have no criminal record, and meet the requirements for military service set forth in the Law of Ukraine “On Military Duty and Military Service” may be recruited on a voluntary basis (under contract) for military service in the National Guard of Ukraine.

Citizens of other countries may serve as privates, sergeants, and officers.

Read more about foreigners in the Defense Forces of Ukraine in the article on Militarny.

The relevant applications and consents can be submitted both in writing in paper form and in electronic format.