Considering Support for Ukraine? Key Information to Understand

In a call for help on February 27, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy implored for volunteers to join the defense of Ukraine, Europe, and the world against Russian war criminals. Since then, foreign fighters have been streaming into Ukraine to lend their support.

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba also encouraged foreigners to fight for Ukraine, and a 2016 Ukrainian law gives foreigners the right to enlist in the nation's Territorial Defense Forces. This law has led to the establishment of the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine, which currently boasts volunteers from many nations worldwide, including countries in Europe, North America, and beyond.

The combat in Ukraine will be different from what U.S. forces are accustomed to. However, the tactics that U.S. service members have been trained to counter are now effective tactics to use against the Russians. American fighters have shown up in various trouble spots in recent years, including Iraq and Syria.

Upon arrival in Ukraine, foreign fighters will be evaluated based on their skillsets and prior experience. Those with military backgrounds, such as U.S. special operations veterans like the Army's Green Berets, may find themselves in units with other English speakers such as Australians, Canadians, and Brits.

However, foreign fighters may not have the same advantages as U.S. forces, such as extensive air support, advanced communications, and other cutting-edge technology. The Putin regime has warned that if captured, foreign fighters in Ukraine will not be treated as lawful combatants entitled to the protections normally afforded to prisoners of war.

Despite these challenges, many foreign fighters are driven by a sense of duty and a desire to defend a common community facing an existential threat. Idealistic Americans going overseas to join in another nation's fight against a brutal enemy is not a new phenomenon; there's a long history of foreign fighters.

One such American is U.S. Veteran Matthew Parker, who joined the fight in Ukraine because he served with a Ukrainian American soldier in Iraq during his 22 years in the army. Others, many without any military experience, traveled to Ukraine on their own to fight against the Russians.

It's worth noting that the Neutrality Act is rarely enforced and would not be enforced against Americans who go to Ukraine to fight. However, Americans could lose their citizenship if they accept a commission as an officer or noncommissioned officer in the Ukrainian military, or if they state an intention to renounce their U.S. citizenship.

In the first week after Zelenskyy's call for help, 20,000 volunteers took Ukraine up on that offer. This influx of foreign fighters is a testament to the global solidarity against Russian aggression and the desire of many to stand up for Ukraine's sovereignty and democracy.

The French Foreign Legion, a mercenary unit in the French army that is open to male recruits of any nationality, is another example of foreigners joining the fight against a common enemy. As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, it's clear that the world is watching and many are ready to lend their support.