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Ukrainian Legion (Poland)

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Ukrainian Legion
Український легіон (Ukrainian)
FoundedJuly 2024
Country Poland
Allegiance Ukraine
BranchArmed Forces of Ukraine
TypeAbroad citizen volunteer legion

The Ukrainian Legion (Ukrainian: Український легіон) is a volunteer unit composed of Ukrainian citizens residing in Poland, established through cooperation of the Ukrainian and Polish governments, and planned to be deployed for Ukraine in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[1][2][3]

The unit is planned to be trained and recruited in Poland, with later deployment in the war.

History

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To encourage recruiting of Ukrainian citizens abroad, in early July 2024, the Polish and Ukrainian governments planned to establish a scheme to recruit Ukrainian citizens located in Poland for a new volunteer military formation to serve in the Russo-Ukrainian War.[4]

In mid July 2024, it was reported that thousands of Ukrainians in Poland have already registered to become part of the new formation.[5] Discussions about the scope of the project are still ongoing, although training already begun as of late July.[6]

Organization

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The units are planned to be trained by Western military advisors and have high quality standards, including modern military equipment financed by Poland.[5]

Poland, along Lithuania and other EU allies, will train the volunteers on Polish training grounds.[7]

All administrative work and recruitment is conducted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, without Polish involvement.[8]

After conclusion of service in the warzone, volunteers would be allowed to return and stay in Poland.[8]

Outlook

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Poland has called on other European nations to provide similar schemes.[5]

The Czech Republic expressed interest in the scheme and will consider involvement in the future, according to a ministry spokesman.[9] Czech Defense Minister Jana Cernochova indicated that discussions are underway to also create a Ukrainian legion in Czechia, citing a large Ukrainian community in the country as a reason.[10]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Defence minister urges Ukrainians throughout Europe to join new legion". Reuters.
  2. ^ "Zelensky: New volunteer unit - Ukrainian Legion - will be created in Poland". Ukrinform.
  3. ^ "Ukraine's Zelenskyy discusses further NATO support with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk". AP News.
  4. ^ "Poland and Ukraine to form a military unit from Ukrainians in Europe. Will it be effective?". Kyiv Independent.
  5. ^ a b c "Thousands of Ukrainians in Poland have registered to join new Ukrainian Legion, says foreign minister". Notes from Poland.
  6. ^ "Poland begins training Ukrainian volunteer brigade". Politico.
  7. ^ "Details of Poland's 'Ukrainian Legion' program". New Voice of Ukraine.
  8. ^ a b "Poland reveals details about recruitment and training for Ukrainian Legion". Ukrainska Pravda.
  9. ^ "Czechia shows interest in Poland's Ukrainian Legion project". Kyiv Independent.
  10. ^ "Czech Republic considering formation of Ukrainian Legion". Euromaidan Press.
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