Volunteers of the Ukrainian Legion in Poland take the oath of allegiance.Photo: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
The first unit of the volunteer Ukrainian Legion, established in Poland, has already arrived in Ukraine to continue training. Ambassador of Ukraine to Poland Vasyl Bodnar said this in a commentary for Radio Liberty, Time Ukraine Israel reports, citing Radio svoboda.
Legion’s success and new milestones
According to the diplomat, on 10 January 2025, the next group of volunteers will sign contracts with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and begin training at a training ground in Poland.
“This is a unique example of a successful initiative, although some politicians or Russian propaganda are trying to present it in a negative light. We are working to ensure that more citizens in the EU and overseas learn about this opportunity. The Legion is entirely voluntary, and I am convinced that its members will receive quality training and a sense of satisfaction from their service,” Bodnar said.
After completing the initial training course in Poland, the volunteers will continue their training at training grounds in Ukraine.
Formation of a volunteer unit
On 16 November 2024, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine announced that the first group of Legion volunteers had taken the oath in Poland and started an intensive military training course.
The Ukrainian Legion is the first volunteer unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine formed from Ukrainians living abroad. Its creation was made possible by a bilateral security agreement between Ukraine and Poland signed by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk on 8 July 2024 in Warsaw.
State-of-the-art training and international support
Volunteers of the Ukrainian Legion are trained under the guidance of NATO instructors at the training grounds of partner countries. The unit is being equipped with modern equipment and weapons that will ensure its high combat capability in performing combat missions.
Joining the Legion is entirely voluntary, and recruits sign contracts to officially join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Legion demonstrates an example of effective cooperation between partner countries and the desire to engage the Ukrainian diaspora in defending the homeland. This initiative underscores Ukraine’s readiness to qualitatively strengthen its defence capabilities.
