President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a law allowing foreigners and stateless persons to enter into contracts to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine as officers. The draft law, registered under No. 12023, was published on the official website of the Verkhovna Rada.
According to the document, this initiative is aimed at improving the current legislation, taking into account the current challenges that have arisen as a result of the difficult situation on the front line. The need for additional military personnel and the growth in the number of combatants in the Armed Forces and other units make this step particularly important.
Previously, foreign nationals could only serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces as privates or non-commissioned officers, but the new law significantly expands their opportunities by allowing them to hold officer positions. This change also opens the door for foreign volunteers who want to defend Ukraine by signing a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This draft law was passed by the Verkhovna Rada in the second reading on 10 October, when it voted on amendments to the legislation regulating military service of foreigners and stateless persons in Ukraine.
