Finland has prepared a handbook for volunteers who want to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

A section with information for citizens who decided to voluntarily join the Defense Forces of Ukraine has appeared on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland. About this reported on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not recommend or encourage volunteering, but whenever possible it helps Finns in Ukraine in accordance with the Consular Service Act. Each adult is responsible for their own travel decisions.” – noted in the department.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland emphasized that voluntary participation in the Armed Forces of Ukraine is not a crime under Finnish law:

“The national legislation of Finland or international humanitarian law does not limit voluntary entry into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. A volunteer who joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is subject to the legislation of Ukraine and international humanitarian law.”.

At the same time, the ministry noted that a Finnish volunteer may be held criminally liable if suspected of committing a war crime:

“War crimes include, for example, the intentional killing of civilians or prisoners of war, torture or inhumane treatment, as well as intentional attacks on civilians. The fact that an individual follows the orders of a commander does not exempt him from criminal responsibility. Even a single act can be a war crime.” 

Finnish citizens are also warned that foreign volunteers usually sign a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine for three years, and the minimum term of service is six months.