This page was last edited on 1 May 2023, at 07:16. There is no law in Denmark that prohibits Danish citizens from enlisting the International Legion. [204], On 7 March 2022, Time reported an estimated 200 Lithuanians have registered to fight with the Ukrainian embassy. [6], As of November 2022, volunteers from the legion were recruited from 60 countries. The Government of the Republic of Moldova is not involved in such actions. [126], As of July 6, three Brazilian volunteers were killed fighting in Ukraine. Among others, one cannot currently be in active military service and joining the army of a foreign country cannot violate the interests of the Republic of Poland. Prompted by Russias attack against Ukraine Penal Codes have been amended to ensure an appropriate punishment for any person who takes part in aggression. Moldova discourages its citizens from enlisting into the legion. Here's what to do. [56], Very shortly after the appeal for volunteers several hundreds of Swedish military volunteers enlisted in the International Legion for Ukraine, according to the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet. On Friday, the Ukrainian Embassy spokesman told. [154], On 7 April, an anonymous Danish volunteer soldier claimed to have killed 100 Russian soldiers during various operations. [215], The New Zealand Herald reported on an ex-British Army/New Zealand Army veteran (and PR citizen) recruited to the legion, though the unnamed veteran said that he will use his British passport to travel. [147], On 27 February 2022, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovi commented on news of the possible departure of Croatian volunteers to Ukraine after the announcement of the formation of the International Legion, saying "Every departure to Ukraine is an act of individuals and they take personal responsibility". Le sulfureux casting belge de la Lgion ukrainienne", "Russisch ministerie van Defensie: 'Twee Belgische strijders omgekomen in Oekrane', "Guerre en Ukraine: qui est Artem Dymyd, l'un des deux Belges tus Donetsk? The two vans were waved through each of the six checkpoints they passed. "A group of Georgian volunteers arrived in Ukraine to help the wounded in Ukraine and, if necessary, to take part in hostilities. [125] There are over 600,000 people of Ukrainian descent living in Brazil. Im just here to shoot, he said with a grin. [260][261], The Thai government stated that there is no law that bans Thai citizens from volunteering to fight in foreign legions, but they should "consider the potential grave danger as Russian forces pound Ukrainian cities with heavy weapons. Those like Ajay, who have been placed into the Ukraine's legion of foreign fighters, are paid the same as locals - 11-15,000 UAH (about 300-400) per month in base pay. A man who said his name is Ian, who is from a town near Liverpool in the United Kingdom and is 61 years old, but who did not want to be otherwise identified, prepares to enter Ukraine to join the . A yellow van followed with another 15. [20] According to Rkawek, the formation of the International Legion was "an attempt to internationalize the conflict via mobilization of Western individuals for the Ukrainian cause. "[20], It was reported on March 2023 that an ex-Legion volunteer named John McIntyre defected to Russia after he was discharged from the legion for bad behavior. Abravitova told the Cape Town Press Club, on 11 March, that anyone who wanted to join Ukraine's fight against Russia was welcome. In March 2022, Ministry of the Interior spokesman Harald Srs confirmed that the government intends to prosecute any violators of the law. The gravel car park has become a staging ground for chancers, mercenaries, volunteers, drifters, missionaries, legionnaires, spies and swindlers who, at any hour of the day, are looking for some form of transport buses, vans, cars to whisk them across the border. A blazing red neon sign slung across the roof of the Cicada Hotel announces that it is open 24 hours a day. [120][121] Concerns were raised about the personal backgrounds and political profile of some of the Belgian volunteers. The announcement was made on Twitter by his acquaintance. Two other sources confirmed to 1843 magazine that the contract binds volunteers to serve for an indefinite length of time. [242] The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is in the process of adding his name to a no-fly list. The costs are up to US$1,5 thousand per person, including air tickets and documentation. TVN a Chilean public service broadcaster made an interview with one of the volunteers. The 1998 Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act was passed to "regulate the rendering of foreign military assistance" by South Africans, but was largely referred to as a "mercenary bill" targeting former apartheid soldiers working as mercenaries. There can also be. KYIV, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Ukraine is establishing a foreign "international" legion for volunteers from abroad, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday. [231] Various news sources claim a well-known South Korean Navy SEAL team is already in Ukraine fighting, which includes YouTube/TV celebrity Ken Rhee. [248] Among these volunteers, three people are of Swiss nationality. Theyre selling you a dream You can help the Ukrainian people! Step 1. [32] The necessary probation period is the duration of the war. One foreigner who did sign was a 21-year old from Britain with no military experience. [201], Kosovar law bars participation in foreign armed groups. [231], The Republic of Korea Marine Corps reported on 22 March 2022 that a Marine from the 1st Marine Division deserted from his unit and traveled to Ukraine to fight with the Legion. "If these are people who are residing in Estonia on the basis of a visa or residence permit, then they simply cannot come back here again," Lauri explained. [179], Brendan Murphy, an Irish businessman fleeing Ukraine stated in an interview published 2 March 2022 that Irish people had already arrived in the country to fight with the International Legion. [184], On 25 March, it was reported by the Israeli national newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth that a group of former IDF soldiers were training Ukrainian civilians; the ex-commando in charge stated to journalists that the program originated as a rescue mission for Ukraine's Jewish population but changed as the Ukrainian Jews required armed escorts and then military training. According to the minister, this matter is scheduled to be discussed at this week's government meeting as well. [63] Despite this, an unknown number of Vietnamese military veterans have expressed their desire to help the Ukrainians. [82], Turkish news reports have confirmed some Turkish citizens and members of the Turkish diaspora had attempted to join the International legion. A spokesman for Ukraines ministry of defence said that we are focused on trained people. The Representative Office of Poland in Taipei suggested that the Taiwanese volunteers first need to travel to Poland, and enlist with the Ukrainian Embassy in Warsaw, but the Polish Office in Taipei declined to comment when the press tried to verify, neither confirm nor deny that such information is held. [199], On 11 November, Tokyo has confirmed that a Japanese volunteer was killed fighting Russian troops,[200] in only days after mourning his Taiwanese comrade's death in the Luhansk front. [173], Sky News reported at least one Hungarian, Akos Horvath, traveled to Ukraine to join the International Legion in March 2022. F oreign mercenaries are being offered $2,000 (1,512) a day to fight against Russian troops as part of the new foreign legion, according to reports. [270], On 9 March, a 19-year old Coldstream Guard soldier left his barracks at Windsor and traveled to Poland in order to enlist with the legion. Critics have also highlighted differences in the makeup of the two international units: Volunteers to Spain generally lacked military experience, while those to Ukraine tend to have prior military experience. They would get three to five days training. There are several formal conditions that must be met in order to issue a permit. Sebastiaan Faber of Oberlin College in the U.S. argued that depicting the Legion as part of a war between fascism and anti-fascism risks playing "into the Kremlin's narrative, which seeks to portray the "special military operation" as an effort to "denazify" its western neighbor." You can read his previous dispatch here. Have you seen this? Priday didnt think that Putins build-up of troops was a bluff. [92], According to lawyers interviewed, a Japanese person who works under a foreign military to wage war against another country could potentially be charged under Article 93 of the Penal Code. [4] In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the Georgian government's "immoral position" and has recalled Ukraine's ambassador to Georgia. [156][157], The Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Ecuador announced on 8 March 2022, that approximately 850 Ecuadorians had contacted the consulate and the Embassy of Ukraine in Lima attempting to volunteer with the International Legion.[158]. Subreddit devoted to Intelligence and Counterintelligence issues, foreign and domestic The Ukrainians checked everyones passports and turned away one prospective volunteer, a Russian who worked in Dublin. ", "Russia Vows Prosecution of Foreign Fighters After 16K Join Ukraine", "Senegal calls Ukraine embassy war recruitment post illegal, summons ambassador", "Serbia vows punishment for volunteers going to Ukraine", "Offence for anyone in Singapore to travel to Ukraine to take up arms: MHA", "Niektor Slovci chc s bojova na Ukrajinu, pomoc na fronte je trestn", "Hundreds of South Africans eager to join fight against Russian invasion Ukraine's ambassador to SA", "9 South Koreans currently in Ukraine as volunteer fighters: Report", "Mercenarios o voluntarios? [108], On 28 February 2022, when asked about Australians volunteering for Ukraine, the Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison told reporters "I would counsel against that purely for the safety of Australians that they would not travel to Ukraine," and "I would say at this time the legality of such actions are uncertain under Australian law. [67], On 28 February, it was reported by Dnevnik.hr and Balkan Insight that Croatian fighters were already in Ukraine and more were intending to join them. but then theyre throwing you into the worst place possible in a war zone. Priday refused to sign and said he was immediately asked to leave the barracks. [175] You were told that you would go where you are most needed, Priday said. [101], On May 5, 2022, a Swiss national and two French nationals were reported to be traveling to Ukraine to join the legion. [272], The first photo distributed by Ukraine of the International Legion reportedly showed volunteers from the United Kingdom. This development would also assist in embarrassing the Western governments, who in the eyes of many Ukrainians are not doing enough to support Kyiv. [101], The Saeima of Latvia unanimously approved immunity from prosecution for Latvian volunteers who wish to join combat on the side of the Ukrainian military. [249], On 22 March, a Taiwanese Amis volunteer named Wang Jui-ti traveled to Helsinki to hand his application to join the Legion. Slovakian citizens who want to join the International Legion must obtain a permit from the Slovak Republic before joining. [174], Oz Katerji, a freelance war correspondent based in Kyiv, tweeted on 1 March that "a group of Kurds have joined the Ukrainian foreign legion" to fight against Russia. Should anyone go fight on the Russian side, she added, then that is a punishable offense. The Czech Republic allows its citizens to enlist in the International Legion after receiving permission from the Czech president. ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=International_Legion_(Ukraine)&oldid=1152606805. [280] Jonathan Shenkin died ' in an act of bravery' whilst working as a paramedic. [205], In early March 2022, the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine reported Mexican volunteers had joined the International Legion in defense of Kyiv. [277] Ex-Army reservist and dual Ukrainian-British national Viktor Yatsunyk was killed by a landmine in Izium. He thought he might be sent to a refugee camp to help the wounded and teach basic first aid. He worked as a nightclub bouncer in London and, moments after he entered the van, confessed to being a neo-Nazi. [57] It has been reported that an unknown number of Nigerians wish to join the legion in Ukraine. Organizations who enlist for foreign armies are illegal, but there are no provisions for citizens who take part. Any Spaniard who is neither a soldier nor a member of the. [95], It is unclear whether volunteering for foreign military service is illegal under South African law. Confirms American Volunteer Killed Fighting in Ukraine", "Dane Partridge, U.S. Volunteer, Killed by Shrapnel While Fighting Russians", "American Who Snuck Out of Dad's House to Fight Putin Is Dead", "American who became a hero of the Russian-Ukrainian war: Paul Kim by the call sign Kilo - Centre for strategic communication", "Timothy Griffin of New York state is killed fighting Russians in Ukraine", "US Army veteran killed fighting on Ukraine's southern front", "Charkw: Poegnanie polskiego Kozaka i jego towarzyszy. [57], On 13 March 2022, the Ukrainian embassy in Buenos Aires posted on its social media to recruit Argentinian citizens who wanted to join the International Legion. A sign reading FOREIGN LEGION is taped to the windshield. [63], The 1937 Foreign Enlistment Act, enacted during the Spanish Civil War, prohibits Canadians from joining a foreign volunteer force against Canada's allies. It is not part of Ukraine's official International Legion. Ukraine's foreign minister said Wednesday that more than 1,000 volunteers from 16 countries were on their way, and a Ukrainian defense official told Military Times that Ukraine's Embassy in. The volunteers lined up and were told that it was time to sign a contract: this stipulated that their pay would be 7,000 hryvnia a month ($230 at the time) and that they would have to remain in. [149], The Embassy of Ukraine in Havana attempted to recruit for the International Legion in March 2022. "[193], As of 2 March 2022, 70 Japanese men have applied to be volunteers of the volunteer foreign legion. A bulked-up former pilot from Louisiana who did four tours in Afghanistan he sold his pick-up truck to fund his trip to Ukraine. [123] One of the two was a 27-year old Belgian Ukrainian called Artem Dymyd from Charleroi who had enlisted in the Ukrainian Army in 2014 and who was killed by rocket fire in Donetsk. [77], Over 500 Indians from across the country, including some veterans have submitted applications volunteering to join the International Legion created to fight Russian forces in Ukraine. Omega Battalion: Composed by Americans, among which are several veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq and former special forces soldiers that were stationed in South Korea. [112] It is not part of the International Legion in order to preserve greater autonomy. [82], A Turkish citizen who has been living in Ukraine said he had signed up for the foreign legion along with 6 other Turkish citizens but they were later rejected. [114][115], In Belgian law, it is not illegal for a Belgian citizen to enlist for service in a foreign army. Youre fighting a real country, with a real army and heavy weaponry all conducted by a crazy man. He joined Ukraine's International Legion, launched by the government in the first days of the war. It is unclear whether the United States Congress will pass legislation to waive this restriction with respect to the conflict in Ukraine. [223], Polish citizens may join the army of foreign countries only after approval of a written application by the Polish Ministry of National Defense. [5], Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba claimed 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. However, members of the Swedish Armed Forces who do so risk losing their jobs, as they are deemed to be better needed at home. [113], On 30 March 2022, it was reported that more Belarusian volunteers will be assigned to another volunteer unit called the Pahonia Regiment. Turkey has refused to comment on its citizens enlisting in the International Legion. By this date, nine had returned home and two had apparently been killed in action. March 20, 2022 at 1:29 p.m. EDT Foreign fighters who came to Ukraine to join a new international legion set up to fight Russian forces, seen in Kyiv on March 13. [279] Chris Parry and Andrew Bagshaw were killed whilst attempting an humanitarian evacuation of civilians in eastern Ukraine. Applicants must have at least five years of military. He was still able to convince nearly 20 aspiring volunteers not to sign the contract, he claims. [17][18], While Rkawek said that some foreign fighters that traveled to Ukraine in 2014 held extremist political beliefs and supported the Azov Battalion or the Russian separatist forces in Donbas, the foreign fighters travelling to Ukraine in early 2022 "don't appear to be motivated, as a group, by a certain set of ideological tropes. On 1 March, a new batch of volunteers was to fly to Ukraine but the Georgian government canceled their flight. My heart goes out to the people. The Embassy of Ukraine in Brazil said that "it is not enlisting for the Ukrainian Foreign Legion" or "campaigning to join this military formation". [48], In early March 2022, the Algerian government called on Ukraine to not enlist fighters from their country. He said that, in practice, those who no longer wished to fight could apply for a discharge and were unlikely to be refused. It is illegal for Austrian citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Austrian law. This is not applicable if the State of Israel has an agreement with the foreign country in question. The top manager of Ukrainian Post earns as much as the top-manager of Deutsche Ban US$75,000. [151] The Ministry of Defence has already reported its first applicants. The government of the Republic of China discourages its citizens from enlisting. [219], On 7 March 2022, Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that Nigerian citizens are not allowed to serve as mercenaries or foreign volunteers for Ukraine. However, it is illegal for Slovakian citizens to join a foreign army without a permit from the Slovakian government. According to her, there are other compatriots who also intend to fight in the service of Ukraine. "We don't have a single clause that states that a person should be punished or that they must for example be granted permission or that they must go through some kind of procedure in order to go volunteer.". Ukraine's conflict with Russia is an interstate conflict of "national survival" against annexation, as was Finland's with the Soviet Union. However, as of 10 March, only 100 were approved to join. Instead, the co-ordinators explained that volunteers were expected to fight on the frontline. "[83], By April 2022 dozens of Moldovan citizens were fighting in Ukraine against the Russian occupiers, most of them enlisted in the Ukrainian army in the first few days of the war. The government pays him and his colleagues a modest salary of between $2,000 and $3,000 a . My partner hates it. She added that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's idea was not new since France already had a foreign legion. Ukraine has already established a battalion of Georgian fighters called the Georgian Legion since the War in Donbass, but new volunteers would be stationed in the newly formed International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine. [210], There have already been reports of some Dutch casualties in the fighting around Lviv and Kyiv. Italian law does not forbid enlistment in a foreign army, although there are provisions banning the organisation of said enlistment, as well as mercenaries. It was subsequently reported on 23 March that "more than half" of the 18 had returned to Belgium, either to convalesce after the Yavoriv bombing or as a result of dissatisfaction with their conditions of service. Consists of Americans, Azeris, Austrians, British, Greeks, Irish, Croatians, Brazilians, Moroccans, Japanese. He said: "The first Irish veterans they have to have military experience arrived in Ukraine last night, which is good to see because they have the Irish tricolor on their arm". It is publicly unknown if there is an agreement with Ukraine, Israel's Foreign Ministry would not comment further. Priday was surprised by the naivety of those eager to fight. [44] In early March, it claimed that it has recruited at least 600 people. [46][47], Some news reports have reported Mamuka Mamulashvili, commander of the Georgian Legion, is commanding all or part of the International Legion, but no official Ukrainian source has confirmed a commander.[12][48]. The International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine, [note 1] or the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, [3] is a foreign military unit of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine. One bonus for CEO and senior managers in state-owned Naftogaz . [84], Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren advised Dutch nationals not to travel to Ukraine saying "The country's travel advice is red. [82], Several members of the Kosovar diaspora in Switzerland reportedly contacted the embassy in Bern in early March 2022 to join the International Legion. However, the March 2023 New York Times investigation found that there may be only 1,500 members in the organization, which had some members involved in fraud and stolen valor. [305], According to an interview with a former German volunteer, around 800 to 1,000 people were at the base at the time of the Russian attack, of whom 100 were presumed dead. Austrian constitutional and administrative lawyer Heinz Mayer argued enforcement of the law could leave Austrians who attempt to join the International Legion or provide humanitarian assistance stateless. Some have refused", "Ukraine: Foreign fighters 'offered 1,500 a day to fight against Russia', "Legion of the damned: Inside Ukraine's army of misfits, veterans, and war tourists in the fight against Russia", "Suicide missions, abuse, physical threats: International Legion fighters speak out against leadership's misconduct", "Zelensky says 16,000 foreigners have volunteered to fight for Ukraine against Russian invasion", "French volunteers rally to Zelenskyy's call to join war in Ukraine", "U.S., Mexico, India Volunteers Among Foreign Force Fighting for Ukraine, Says Military", "Tristan, from Belgium: "I came to join the International Legion of Defense of #Ukraine for freedom in Europe. Asta e mna Moscovei", "40 Nederlanders onderweg naar Oekrane om te vechten tegen de Russen: 'Niet iedereen overziet de gevolgen', "Dutch Foreign Legion fighters wounded in Russian missile attack in western Ukraine", "Oekraens leger bevestigt: Nederlandse vrijwilliger overleden", "Another Dutch fighter killed in combat in Ukraine", "Over 500 Kiwis volunteer to fight for Ukraine International Legion against Russia despite a 'do not travel' warning", "New Zealand soldier who joined Ukraine foreign legion confirmed killed", "Corporal Dominic Abelen believed to have worked for special forces foreign military unit", "Kiwi soldier killed in Ukraine: New details emerge as foreign unit's 'luck ran out', "Nigerian volunteer: 'Fighting in Ukraine is better than living here', "Ukraine war: Nigerian and Senegalese soldiers killed, says Russia", Tidligere sametingsrepresentant i Ukraina: Jeg fler at det er vr tid for gi noe tilbake, "Peruano se une como voluntario para defender a Ucrania del ataque ruso: "Estoy dispuesto a dar mi vida", "Polak formuje oddzia do walki w Ukrainie. [30] Most of the volunteers who reached Lviv and applied were accepted. fightforua.org #StopRussianAggression", "Ralf, from Finland, joined the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine: "There are a lot of people who came to #Ukraine to fight the Russians & defend democracy and freedom" Freedom is a choice. State Border Guard Service of Ukraine guards prohibited him from entering after Seoul passed information about him going AWOL before crossing the Polish-Ukrainian border. It is illegal for Singaporean citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Singaporean law. Jake Priday, a 25-year-old British teacher from Cardiff in Wales, responded to the call. Four more soldiers were wounded. [226], Ukraine has said some former Russian soldiers have switched sides and have now joined Kyiv's forces. About 50 people managed to enter Ukraine by crossing the Sarpi customs point. Prospects and Possibilities", "Balkan Fighters Risk Criminal Charges for Joining Ukraine's Defence", "Cetenii RM se pot nscrie n Legiunea Internaional anunat de Zelenski pentru a lupta n Ucraina? The Lithuanians friends had given him the sweatshirt as a going-away present. 2.1K subscribers in the CounterIntel_Foreign community. In early March, 35 people contacted the Ukrainian Embassy in Bern to join the international legion, according to Radio Tlvision Suisse. [73], Herv Grandjean, a spokesperson for France's Ministry for the Armed Forces, said individual volunteers could be "integrated in a body of Ukrainian volunteers" and "we cannot prevent them from leaving, (but) nor can we sanction that type of project." "Based on Estonian laws, nobody can be punished as soon as they go to serve a foreign country," Lauri said. [153], Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on 27 February 2022, that volunteering was "a choice anyone could make. After a cursory initial interview, they are told to head for Ukraine. (By way of comparison, the French Foreign Legion requires people to sign up for five years in the first instance.) Before being deleted, the video featured the national flags of the home countries of the volunteers, including the Black Bauhinia flag of Hong Kong. But the untrained should stay home", "For foreign fighters, Ukraine offers purpose, camaraderie and a cause", "Foreign volunteers who help Ukraine will be eligible for citizenship in the future", "Ukraine's New Foreign Legion Takes the Fight to Russian Forces", "Fighters with Ukraine's foreign legion are being asked to sign indefinite contracts. The gratitude video prompted strong criticism from the Chinese and Hong Kong governments. If youve got any commitments at home, youre going to lose them, Priday told me. On 28 February, the president Milo Zeman stated he would be in favor of allowing potential volunteers to join the newly formed Ukrainian legion. Ukraine is setting up an International Legion for foreigners to join the fight against Russia. Join the brave! Cambodia discourages its citizens from enlisting. Montenegrin law criminalizes participation in foreign conflicts and those convicted face prison sentences of up to ten years. Those going to Ukraine have little in common with jihadis ideologically, but the presence of right-wing extremists should give governments pause when they consider whether to encourage their. Gert Snitselaar states: "I was in contact with a few (volunteers) this morning, but since then there has been no communication,"[211] In response to the bombing of Lviv. [192], On 1 March, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said, "I am aware that the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan is calling for such (volunteer soldiers), but I would like you to refrain from traveling to Ukraine, regardless of your purpose. Due to Georgia already having had military conflicts with Russia in the 1992 Abkhazian War and 2008 War, many Georgians sympathized with Ukrainians and therefore went to help. [166], On 2 March, Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser and Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann declared the Federal Government would not prevent its own citizens from going to Ukraine to fight in the war. [229], Vivian Balakrishnan, Singaporean Minister of Foreign Affairs, said during a Parliament session on 22 February that Singaporeans must only fight for Singaporean national security interests and not fight in other places even for noble reasons. Ultimul lui mesaj, adresat camaradului taiwanez ucis: "Voi lupta impreuna cu sufletul lui pana la sfarsitul razboiului", https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeTWyPggrbw&ab_channel=%D0%91%D0%90%D0%A1%D0%95, https://ukdaily.news/executed-ukrainian-soldier-in-video-officially-identified-by-investigators-386099.html, "Luso-britnico morre em combate na Ucrnia", "Muere un espaol que combata en la guerra de Ucrania y que se alist para luchar contra Rusia", "Want to go fight for Ukraine? [41], On February 1, 2023, an Uruguayan volunteer codenamed Teddy was reported to be fighting in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. After Russia launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, . [246], The first photo distributed by Ukraine of the International Legion reportedly showed Swedish volunteers. Congress could pass legislation making an exception to this rule prohibiting military retirees and veterans from active foreign armed conflict participation to specifically encourage American. "[135] The government had announced that it is up to individual Canadians to decide whether they want to join and that they "respect personal choices",[135][136] though the government "is not facilitating" Canadians who are looking to join the International Legion. [271] He was detained upon his return to the UK on 21 March. [110], Austrian law stipulates any citizen who enters into the military services of a foreign country has their citizenship revoked. [278] Simon Lingard died of shrapnel wounds after his unit came under attack from Russian forces. Aiden Aslin, John Harding, Dylan Healy, Andrew Hill and Shaun Pinner all returned home to the UK.