[92], It is unclear whether volunteering for foreign military service is illegal under South African law. The International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine, or the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, is a foreign military unit of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine.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.In establishing the force, Ukraine joined more than 90 other . 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. [57], On 9 March 2022, Euroradio.fm reported that Belarusians in Ukraine had formed the Kastu Kalinoski Battalion with 200 volunteers, named after Kastu Kalinoski. [262], Ukrainian sources said 6,000 Britons had registered an interest in joining. It is illegal for Swiss citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Swiss law. [18], On 3 March 2022, Zelenskyy announced 16,000 foreign volunteers had attempted to join the International Legion. Ukraine must feel good that so many people came from all over the world to fight with them. Units involved; Order of battle: Order of battle: Strength; Pre-invasion at border: 169,000-190,000 Pre-invasion total strength: 900,000 military 554,000 . [221], Dozens of Romanians sent messages to the Ukrainian embassy in Bucharest to be accepted into the International Legion. There have been no reported cases of North Macedonian citizens going to Ukraine to join the International Legion. This is a huge loss for all of us. A U.S. Army veteran from Wisconsin died on Feb. 16 while fighting on the front lines in Ukraine, the veteran's father told Wisconsin Public Radio. [251], On 2 November, a 25-year-old Taiwanese indigenous veteran Tseng, Sheng-guang (Chinese: ) serving in Carpathian Sich Battalion, was reported as the first East Asian soldier killed in action in the war,[252][253] after covering 3 colleagues to retreat under a tank siege during the eastern Ukraine campaign in Luhansk Oblast. Kuleba withheld further demographic details, because several nations forbid their citizens from fighting for foreign governments. [138] Later in March various Chilean media spread the story of Luis Lagos, a former member of the Chilean national police force(Carabiniers of Chile) who joined the forces of Ukraine. [37] The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the identity and background of a Belgian and Finnish volunteer through video interviews on their Twitter. France allows its citizens to enlist in the International Legion. Kacper Rkawek, a researcher on foreign fighters in Ukraine, believes the majority of Western fighters prior to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine passed through the Georgian Legion. The regiment expresses its sincere condolences to the relatives", " ", " ", "American killed fighting alongside Ukrainian forces in Ukraine", "2 Americans dead in eastern Ukraine: Officials", "Exclusive: U.S. The same court had previously passed death sentences on two British members of regular Ukrainian units, under the same charges. Several soldiers of the International Legion in Ukraine have been killed at the hands of the invaders and some have been captured but the Russian Federation exaggerates the number of dead, spreading fake news. An Estonian-based private military contractor (PMC) called Iron Navy that offers security services for government entities and businesses operating in "high-risk areas or conflict zones," posted on Facebook on February 11 about a project in Ukraine to protect civilians endangered by mines and unexploded ordnance. [113], The Ukrainian embassy in Brussels confirmed on 15 March that 18 Belgian residents had arrived in Ukraine to enlist in the international legion while a further 92 had expressed interest in joining. [181], On 1 September 2022, Israeli citizen Dmitry Fialka was killed fighting in eastern Ukraine. "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. "[100], Over 2,000 pro-democracy activists in Thailand have attempted to sign up to join the International Legion. [257], Turkey does not have a law that bars foreign fighters, but frequently prosecutes them upon return to Turkey for violating criminal or anti-terror laws. It is illegal for Macedonian citizens to enlist in the International Legion under North Macedonian law. [244] On 29 March, he said that the application was not successful because the legion changed its requirements for volunteers to have military experience with combat exposure. Zgin w obronie Ukrainy", " ", "Wsparcie dzieci i rodzin polegych polskich ochotnikw na Ukrainie | zrzutka.pl", "Muri el primer colombiano en el frente de guerra en Ucrania, quin era? [184], On March 2, 2022, the Ukraine Consulate in Milan posted on Facebook inviting Italians to join the International Legion, but the post was later deleted. "Przyczymy si do obrony Kijowa", "J h portugueses a combater contra os russos, diz Ucrnia", "Un tnr de 19 ani din Baia Mare vrea s lupte pentru Ucraina: "Am n minte imaginile cu mame i copii fugind. [82] As of 7 March 2022, it is estimated around 200 Dutchmen have attempted to join the legion at the Ukrainian embassy in The Hague. [166][unreliable source? Members of Ukraine's Territorial Defense Forces, volunteer military units of the Armed Forces, train close to Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. 7 min read. [222], Ukraine has said some former Russian soldiers have switched sides and have now joined Kyiv's forces. It is illegal for Kosovo citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Kosovo law. "Based on Estonian laws, nobody can be punished as soon as they go to serve a foreign country," Lauri said. In Kyiv, the 130th Territorial Defense Battalion is active. [61] Despite this, an unknown number of Vietnamese military veterans have expressed their desire to help the Ukrainians. Mostly Chechen, many of whom fought in the, The battalion was created in honor of one of the leaders of the. [108] It is not part of the International Legion in order to preserve greater autonomy. [238] The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is in the process of adding his name to a no-fly list. [137], Some of the soldiers in the Norman Brigade are concerned on whether the Norman Brigade's leader, nom de guerre Hrulf, is incompetent in managing the unit. 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", "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. [91], Some Slovakian citizens have indicated they want to go fight in the International Legion, according to Minister of Defense Jaroslav Na. [71], Former Georgian Defense Minister, Irakli Okruashvili with some volunteers also traveled to Ukraine and joined the call to arms to defend Ukraine against Russia. Additionally, Dutch military code bars active Dutch soldiers from joining a foreign army and Dutch law bars civilians from enlisting in an enemy army in a war in which the Netherlands participates. He claimed that the Turkish authorities had asked Ukraine not to accept any Turkish citizens into its Foreign Legion. Zelenskyy hopes to draw volunteers who will "defend Ukraine and world order as part of the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine," Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. The paper also claims that one of the unit's commanders is an alleged former member of a criminal organization from Poland, wanted at home for fraud: the Legion's fighters accuse him of abusing power by ordering soldiers to loot shops, threatening soldiers with a gun, and sexually harassing the legion's female medics. [59], As of July 2022, an ex-Sri Lankan commando known as Dentist has been deployed to the field in Kharkiv. . Polish citizens who want to enlist in the International Legion, or any other foreign army, must receive the approval of the Polish Minister of National Defense. Foreigners willing to defend Ukraine and world order as part of the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine, I invite you to contact foreign diplomatic missions of Ukraine in your . 25 to 30 supported Ukraine and 25 to 30 supported the Donbas separatists. Step 1. Danish citizens however, are not allowed to fight in an armed conflict where Denmark is a party, and one fights on the side of the enemy. 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. [198][199], On 8 March 2022, member of the Saeima Juris Juras[lv] of the New Conservative Party volunteered to fight with fellow Latvians in Ukraine. Become a hero.Use your military experience to fight against evil. It is not illegal for a foreign country to recruit people in Israel. [192][193] On November 7, Asahi Shimbun interviewed an anonymous Japanese volunteer who joined the legion with minimal military experience. [271] Craig Mackintosh was killed on August 24, 2022 while working as a volunteer medic. On 1 March, a new batch of volunteers was to fly to Ukraine but the Georgian government canceled their flight. Now, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, some U.S. military veterans eager for a war with what they see as a righteous cause have pledged to come to Ukraine's defense. In the most notable episode, on 13 March, Russian missiles struck Yavoriv military base near the Polish border, killing 35 people and injuring 134 people, according to Ukrainian officials. 2. Norwegian citizens can legally enlist in the International Legion under Norwegian law. There's always a lot of gray areas in war. "[259] However, then prime minister Boris Johnson's office did not endorse Truss's statement. Mamulashvili also claimed they were waiting on the arrival of about 2030 other Albanian volunteers who have applied to join the war in Ukraine. Mar 3, 2022. They are commonly referred to as Ukrainian . [203] [239], On June 18, 2022, the South Korean government is checking claims that four South Korean nationals are killed in action fighting with the legion. The Embassy of Ukraine in Brazil said that "it is not enlisting for the Ukrainian Foreign Legion" or "campaigning to join this military formation". [44], In early March 2022, the Algerian government called on Ukraine to not enlist fighters from their country. [274] Chris Parry and Andrew Bagshaw were killed whilst attempting an humanitarian evacuation of civilians in eastern Ukraine.[275]. A Sri Lankan veteran code-named Dentist and two US Marines code-named Cash and Yato are credited with forming this elite division. [185], Giulia Schiff, an ex-Italian Air Force pilot, was reported to be in Kyiv after she enlisted with the legion's special forces unit. The Ukrainian ambassador to Senegal was summoned and asked to take down the post. 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. Iron Navy has been active in Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022 . Although no law prohibits the Portuguese citizens from fighting for the International Legion, the Portuguese government does not encourage any citizen to do it. [4] However, under French law, France can order a five-year jail term for "mercenaries" who are "specifically recruited to fight in an armed conflict," are neither "from a state involved in the armed conflict" or a "member of such state's military," and who are paid to "participate or try to participate in the hostilities. The United States Department of State issued a travel advisory formally advising all Americans not to travel to Ukraine. [30], A British volunteer said that the contract required to join the International Legion limits pay to 7,000 a month (US$230) and extends for the duration of the war, although some volunteers were allowed to leave after signing. Prompted by Russias attack against Ukraine Penal Codes have been amended to ensure an appropriate punishment for any person who takes part in aggression. Nu-mi nchipui cum ar fi s nu ai niciun ajutor", "Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv invites Algerian fighters to Ukraine to 'protect world security', "Portparol Meunarodne legije u Ukrajini: Ovde Hrvati i Srbi ratuju rame uz rame", "S'pore citizens' duty is to S'pore: Vivian Balakrishnan on whether S'poreans can fight in Ukraine for Ukrainians", "Embassy: Some 100 S. Koreans Have Volunteered to Fight in Ukraine", "Navy SEAL-turned-YouTuber claims he left for Ukraine to participate in war as volunteer", "Rhee Keun-led team goes to Ukraine to fight against invader", "(LEAD) S. Korean volunteers deployed to front-line units in Ukraine: official", "Koreans in Ukraine end up on front lines", Ken Rhee gives an update of his whereabouts in Ukraine through Instagram, "Injured Ken Rhee expected back in Korea soon", "Injured South Korean fighter back from Ukraine faces investigation", ", ' ' 625 " "()", "S. Korea verifying Russia's data on deaths of 4 volunteer fighters in Ukraine", "678 frivilliga svenskar strider i Ukraina", "Indigenous Taiwanese man volunteers for Ukrainian Foreign Legion", "Taiwanese man denied entry into Ukrainian Foreign Legion - Focus Taiwan", "Taiwanese man takes up arms to defend adopted homeland Ukraine - Focus Taiwan", "2nd Taiwanese enlists in Ukrainian foreign legion", "Taiwanese man now fighting for Ukraine's foreign legion", "Wary of China threat, Taiwanese join Ukraine's fight against Russia", "Death of Taiwanese soldier exposes Kyiv's China dilemma", "Hualien man becomes 1st Taiwanese combatant to die in Ukraine war", "No Thai military volunteers in Ukraine, says charge d'affaires", "Savan iindeki ailesini kurtarmak iin Ukrayna ordusuna gnll yazlan Trk: Silahm alarak ordudan karttlar, 'Trkiye hkmeti, Trk milis almayn talebi iletti' dediler", "UK's Liz Truss: I support Brits who take up arms against Putin", "No 10 distances itself from Truss comments on UK volunteers for Ukraine", "Liz Truss criticised for backing Britons who wish to fight in Ukraine", "British volunteers who travel to fight in Ukraine could violate terror laws", "Zelensky's call for volunteers to defend Ukraine heeded by thousands from abroad", "Britons heed Zelensky's call to arms and head to Ukraine", "Don't fight in Ukraine military boss tells Britons", "Serving Coldstream Guard leaves Windsor barracks to fight Russian forces", "British soldier arrested after unauthorized trip to join Ukraine's foreign legion", "Ukraine war: Britons held by rebels in Ukraine plead not guilty", "Britons held by Russian forces in Ukraine released", "Ukraine conflict: British man Scott Sibley killed by mortar fire - inquest", "Ukraine war: Former British soldier Jordan Gatley killed in fighting", "Ukraine war: Briton killed while volunteering in Ukraine, says sister", "Ukraine war: Briton Simon Lingard killed in conflict", "Two British aid workers were killed during Ukraine evacuation", "Americans discouraged from going to Ukraine to fight Russia", "Ukraine says 3,000 Americans have volunteered to fight Russian invaders", "Ukrainian embassy draws US citizens seeking to fight in war", "Un venezolano se uni a la resistencia ucraniana para defender Kiev", "Jos David Chaparro, es el 'comandante' venezolano de una pequea divisin de voluntarios en Ucrania (Fotos y Video)", "Un diputado y 3 exmilitares se unen a la defensa de Ucrania: "No me puedo sentar en casa", "Ukraine's foreign legion joins the battle against Russia", Rhee Ken remains in Ukraine after team passed into Poland, "RFK grandson Conor Kennedy reveals he secretly fought on frontline in Ukraine", "A Georgian commander fighting Russian forces in Ukraine says more international support will help defeat Putin", "MSNBC analyst Malcolm Nance reveals he joined fight in Ukraine", "Former Gazprombank executive Igor Volobuev joins the Freedom to Russia Legion within the Ukrainian Armed Forces", "The Venezuelan 'comandante' in Ukraine - la Prensa Latina Media", " ", "Russia targets Ukrainian military base near Polish border in escalation: US national security adviser says any fire on neighbour of Ukraine would trigger full-force Nato response", "The base attacked in western Ukraine has been a hub for foreign militaries", "Enthllt auch sterreicher kmpfen im Ukraine-Krieg", "Deutscher Sldner in der Ukraine: 'Da kommt keiner lebend raus', "3 Georgian volunteer fighters killed in Ukraine, says Georgia's parliament head", " ", "Georgian volunteer dies in war in Ukraine", " ", " ", "Yesterday, October 3, during the assault operation, the Kalinoski Regiment suffered losses. [141], Croatian law penalizes organizing the departure or going to war in another country if it violates the constitutional order of that country, undermines the territorial integrity of the country and if the person is a mercenary. The Ukrainian defense ministry said on its Telegram channel on March 30 that commanders of the Freedom of Russia Legion were visiting detained former Russian military personnel "in order to select those who wish to serve. [89], 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. [147] The Ministry of Defence has already reported its first applicants. [296] As many as 1,000 foreign fighters had been training at the base as part of the Ukrainian Foreign Legion. [34], On 7 March 2022, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that more than 20,000 volunteers from 52 countries have volunteered to fight for Ukraine. Adverts have seemingly . [135][136] He returned to his home country after two months. Step 2. [158][159][160][161], As of July 9, 2022, two French volunteers were killed in action. She also said the embassy in Pretoria had received hundreds of requests to volunteer from people from across the region, including Madagascar, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana.[93]. [180], 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. Undated video published by 3rd Assault showed AFU tanks moving to attack and RF-held buildings under heavy autocannon fire from infantry combat vehicles. Join the brave! ", "International Brigades for Ukraine? Apply to the Embassy of Ukraine in your country with the intention to join the International Legion of Defence of Ukraine (ask a Defence attache or Consul. According to her, there are other compatriots who also intend to fight in the service of Ukraine. Join the brave! [172] Later on, the student's family said that the student is willing to leave the Georgian National Legion and return to his home in India. This page was last edited on 3 March 2023, at 21:11. "- Georgian Radio Free reported.[164]. Abravitova told the Cape Town Press Club, on 11 March, that anyone who wanted to join Ukraine's fight against Russia was welcome. Gert Snitselaar states: "I was in contact with a few (volunteers) this morning, but since then there has been no communication,"[207] In response to the bombing of Lviv. Turkey has refused to comment on its citizens enlisting in the International Legion. [54], 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. [242] Among these volunteers, three people are of Swiss nationality. According to Article 94 of the Swiss Military Penal Code, such service is prohibited for Swiss without permission of the Federal Council, under penalty of a fine or imprisonment for a maximum of three years. However, members of the Swedish Armed Forces who do so risk losing their jobs, as they are deemed to be better needed at home. [37], On February 1, 2023, an Uruguayan volunteer codenamed Teddy was reported to be fighting in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. The Latest in a Long Line: Ukraine's International Legion and a History of Foreign Fighters. Those willing to enlist need to approach a local military recruitment office. [3], In early March 2022, a French government adviser confirmed a dozen French nationals were in Ukraine and had likely joined the International Legion. [210], New Zealand officially has a "do not travel" warning issued for Ukraine and the Ukrainian consul in Auckland, Oleksandr Kirichuk, says he cannot assist New Zealanders in travelling to Ukraine. [88], On 3 March, Senegal's foreign ministry condemned a social media post by the country's Ukrainian embassy calling for volunteers as illegal under Senegalese law. "[131] The government had announced that it is up to individual Canadians to decide whether they want to join and that they "respect personal choices",[131][132] though the government "is not facilitating" Canadians who are looking to join the International Legion. That's A Moment for Worry", "No pasarn: anti-fascist slogan takes on new significance in Ukraine crisis", "Ukraine's foreign fighters have little in common with those who signed up to fight in the Spanish Civil War", "From the role of international volunteers to debates about Western intervention, there are many comparisons to be made between Ukraine and the Spanish Civil War", "The International Legion for the Territorial Defense of Ukraine was created", "Volunteer fighters arrive in Ukraine. The fightforua.org website has been launched in Ukraine, which contains all the necessary information for foreign citizens who are ready to defend the security of Europe and join the International Defense Legion of Ukraine.. [197], Kosovar law bars participation in foreign armed groups. If such an act is committed by a legal person, it is punishable by a pecuniary punishment. [206], There have already been reports of some Dutch casualties in the fighting around Lviv and Kyiv. ", 20212022 BelarusEuropean Union border crisis, On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians, Evacuation of the Donetsk PR and Luhansk PR, Mobilization in Donetsk PR and Luhansk PR, On conducting a special military operation, international recognition of the Donetsk PR and Luhansk PR, Northeastern UkraineRussia border skirmishes, Ust-Ilimsk military commissariat shooting, Combat Organization of Anarcho-Communists, Annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol, Assassination attempts on Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mykolaiv government building missile strike, Zaporizhzhia residential building airstrike, Russian strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure, 2023 Dnipro residential building airstrike, Torture of Russian soldiers in Mala Rohan, Torture and castration of a Ukrainian POW in Pryvillia, restrictions on transit to Kaliningrad Oblast, European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine, Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Destroyed Russian military equipment exhibition, Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Forced confiscation law of Russian property, National Council for the Recovery of Ukraine from the War, Conmemorative Medal "Participant of a Special Military Operation", Manifesto of the South Russian People's Council, Russian Orthodox clergymen appeal against war, Danish European Union defence opt-out referendum, Proposed Russian annexation of South Ossetia, Recognition of Russia as a terrorist state, Serving heads of state and government that have visited Ukraine during the invasion, demolition of monuments to Alexander Pushkin, State Duma initiative for charging Vladimir Putin of high treason, Yermak-McFaul Expert Group on Russian Sanctions, 2023 Russian oil products sanctions and price cap, UrengoyPomaryUzhhorod pipeline explosion, And now I will show you where the attack on Belarus was prepared from, Demolition of monuments to Alexander Pushkin in Ukraine, Foreign leaders that have visited during the invasion, Proposed Russian annexation of Transnistria, Russian military presence in Transnistria, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=International_Legion_of_Territorial_Defence_of_Ukraine&oldid=1142687773, Military units and formations established in 2022, Foreign volunteer units resisting the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Territorial defence battalions of Ukraine, Military units and formations of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Articles containing Ukrainian-language text, CS1 Brazilian Portuguese-language sources (pt-br), Articles with dead external links from February 2023, Articles with permanently dead external links, CS1 Chinese (Taiwan)-language sources (zh-tw), CS1 Norwegian Bokml-language sources (nb), CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with failed verification from May 2022, Articles lacking reliable references from March 2022, All articles that may contain original research, Articles that may contain original research from May 2022, Articles with failed verification from March 2022, Articles lacking reliable references from October 2022, Articles containing traditional Chinese-language text, Articles containing Japanese-language text, Wikipedia articles in need of updating from January 2023, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, Interlanguage link template existing link, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. The instructor (standing center left) is U.S. Army veteran John Roberts from Newport Beach, California, who has been teaching through the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine since May 2022. [226], The Singaporean Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that Singaporeans who are in Ukraine are potentially liable for any criminal offences committed outside Singapore, especially when fighting Russian-backed forces, with offenders liable for imprisonment from 15 years to life with fines included. Israeli law has a provision forbidding citizens from joining a foreign military, with a potential punishment of up to three years in prison. Turmoil for Canadian-led foreign battalion in Ukraine", "Former Russian Soldiers Join Ukraine Against Putin's Invasion, Kyiv Says", "Chechen and Tatar Muslims take up arms to fight for Ukraine | DW | 24.03.2022", " : ", " ", " ", " ", "Ukraine forms special forces unit for foreign fighters: The special forces unit, separate from the recently established International Defense Legion, is already operational and in combat with Russian forces, GUR claimed", "Freiwillige Kmpfer in der Ukraine: Aus Sri Lanka an die Front bei Charkiw", "Ukraine's bid to recruit fighters from Africa sparks uproar: Nigeria, Senegal and Algeria have criticized Ukraine's efforts to enlist international fighters as it resists the Russian invasion. Ukraine has received more than . Meanwhile, at least 150,000 people fleeing the violence have crossed into neighboring countries . Of these, 50 are former members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and two are former members of the French Foreign Legion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier . Brendan Hoffman for CNN Yedioth Ahronoth reported that an unidentified Israeli official stated that the Israeli defense establishment was "looking the other way", in part because of the increasingly pro-Ukrainian sentiments and growing suspicion toward Russia, the official himself noting his own solidarity toward Ukraine in the face of "the worst kind of Russian aggression". [38][39][bettersourceneeded][original research? [227], 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. [120], As of 6 March, about 500 Brazilians are mobilizing on WhatsApp, Telegram and social networks groups to enlist. [145], The Embassy of Ukraine in Havana attempted to recruit for the International Legion in March 2022. 01. [81], Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren advised Dutch nationals not to travel to Ukraine saying "The country's travel advice is red. The gratitude video prompted strong criticism from the Chinese and Hong Kong governments. [79], Turkish news reports have confirmed some Turkish citizens and members of the Turkish diaspora had attempted to join the International legion. Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Ukraine for at least five years are also welcomed. [107] The battalion eventually grew to a regiment of over 1000 volunteers. Russians fighting for Ukraine) are. It is illegal for Austrian citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Austrian law. [178][179], Many protesters had connections to Ukraine or other post-Soviet countries, but also a significant contingent of Israelis attended with no connection to the former USSR at all.