KIEV–Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, approved a second reading on October 6 of a draft law permitting foreigners to serve in Ukraine’s Armed Forces. A total of 229 MPs supported the decision, above the required minimum of 226 votes.
An explanatory note for the document says the goal is to “increase the Armed Forces combat capability and reduce Ukraine’s human and financial losses resulting from combat actions in eastern Ukraine.” [Read an announcement in English of the bill here on the Rada website.]
Ukrainian lawmakers expressed confidence that after foreigners receive a legal possibility to serve in the country’s army, the country will get experienced and motivated units of up to 1,000 people. Ukraine will be able to reduce the need to mobilize Ukrainian citizens and to cut the expenses for social benefits to the participants of the combat actions, handicapped people and families of victims.
Earlier in the day, Ukrainian MPs adopted in the first reading a draft law easing procedures for foreigners serving in the Ukrainian army to gain the country’s citizenship. Two simplified procedures for granting Ukrainian citizenship have been proposed. The first procedure envisages that the foreigners will need to live three years in Ukraine instead of five years. Under the second procedure, foreign mercenaries who receive awards of the Ukrainian state will not have to speak the Ukrainian language or confirm means of subsistence or permission for immigration.
Read also:
As part of ‘UN peacekkeepers’ proposal for eastern Ukraine, Kiev to allow foreign armed forces in Ukraine, RT.com, June 5, 2015
Rada approves bill allowing foreign troops into Ukraine as part of planned military exercises, Sputnik News, March 17, 2015
