For foreigners who want to join Ukraine’s soldiers against Russian troops, visas are no longer required. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has asked foreign people to join the country’s “international brigade” of volunteers in the ongoing war against Russia.
Zelenskyy authorised a “temporary visa-free regime” for foreigners who desire to join Ukraine’s defence forces in a directive issued on Monday. The policy, however, does not apply to Russian citizens, who are referred to in the paper as “citizens of the aggressor state.”
Tourist visas for more than 90 days with a six-month term were formerly necessary for citizens of the United States and the European Union to visit Ukraine.
After announcing the “International Brigade of the Territorial Defence of Ukraine,” the Ukrainian President said, “All foreigners wishing to join the resistance against the Russian occupiers and protect global security are invited by the Ukrainian leadership to come to our state and join the ranks of the territorial defence forces.”
Volunteers must complete an application that details their military service. It’s also advised that they carry their own “personal protection,” such as a helmet and body armour.
Later, he declared Ukrainians are “fighting also to be equal members of Europe” in a speech to the European Parliament. In the current conflict, he has demanded the European Union to “show” that they are on Ukraine’s side.
