By Kontur and AFP | 2024-11-18

KYIV -- About 700 Ukrainians living in Europe have signed up over the past month to join the Ukrainian Legion, a fighting force being formed abroad, Kyiv said this week.

The Ukrainian army is looking for ways to replenish its ranks after nearly three years of brutal and costly fighting with Russia. Its goal is to recruit 160,000 troops over the next three months.

Kyiv said early last month it had opened a first recruitment office in Lublin, Poland, with the aim of encouraging Ukrainians to enlist in the Legion. The office is about 100km from the Ukrainian border.

"To date, the recruitment center of the Ukrainian Legion has received nearly 700 applications from Ukrainians living in Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland and other countries," Lt. Col. Petro Horkusha, a representative of the Ukrainian Legion's command, said November 12, according to the Ministry of Defense.

"Following medical examinations, necessary checks, and contract signing, they will also join the ranks of the Legion," he said.

The first group of volunteers who signed contracts in Lublin had immediately gone for basic military training, the ministry said.

Basic training will be conducted over 35 days under the guidance of Polish Armed Forces instructors using modern NATO-standard weaponry. Ukrainian Armed Forces commanders with combat experience will also participate in the training.

After basic training, service members will have the opportunity to continue specialized training in NATO facilities across Europe.

"This is an important step, demonstrating the determination of Ukrainians who, while living abroad, are ready to defend their homeland," said Ukrainian Consul General in Lublin Oleh Kuts.

'Glory to Ukraine'

The ceremony is short: a man walks up to a desk and signs a few papers before a serviceman in army fatigues shakes his hand and welcomes him into the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"Glory to Ukraine," said Igor Rusakevych as he signed up November 12 with the Ukrainian Legion.

"I had to finish some things. I have a family here, a good job. I had to gather my strength," Rusakevych said, explaining why he had not joined the army earlier.

The 37-year-old construction manager has lived in Poland for more than 30 years and has a teenage son and a Polish wife.

"I feel like a Pole, but I am a Ukrainian at heart," he said.

Another volunteer, 20-year-old Dmytro Zdorik, who previously lived in Lithuania, said he had felt "drawn to" the army since childhood.

He said he found out about the Legion from his grandfather, himself a former military man.

"He sent me a video. And I thought, here it is -- a chance to quickly join the army," Zdorik said.

Ukraine has been reaching out to its nationals residing across Europe through online advertising.

Yuriy Kulius, a former prisoner, said he had spent two years in Germany before deciding to enlist in the Legion -- a move that he had been mulling "for a long time."

"I just want to redeem myself... I am tired of the stigma of a criminal record," the 45-year-old said.

"The main thing is... to be useful," said Kulius.