Ukraine allows foreign citizens to serve as officers in National Guard

The Ukrainian government has approved new rules allowing foreign citizens to hold officer positions in the National Guard of Ukraine, provided they meet a set of stringent requirements, including undergoing a medical examination, a polygraph test, and a special background check.

According to Ukrainian media, citing People’s Deputy Oleksiy Goncharenko, the decision follows the Cabinet of Ministers’ approval on August 20 of a draft decree submitted by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The decree expands opportunities for foreigners and stateless persons, enabling them to serve not only as privates and sergeants, as was previously allowed, but also in officer ranks.

The decree outlines several key provisions for foreign candidates:

• All applicants must pass a special security check, a medical examination, and a polygraph test before being accepted.

• Contract terms will differ by rank: privates and sergeants will be able to sign contracts lasting from one to five years, while officer contracts may be valid for up to 10 years.

• Military ranks for foreign personnel will be assigned in line with NATO standards.

The move is part of ongoing reforms in Ukraine’s defence and security sectors, aimed at modernising the country’s military forces and strengthening cooperation with international partners.

Separately, on August 20, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine voted to fully overhaul the parliamentary awards system, adopting a resolution that officially abandons Soviet-era traditions.

This legislative step follows another significant reform earlier this summer. On June 18, 2025, lawmakers approved a law permitting multiple citizenship, supported by 243 members of parliament.

President Zelenskyy signed the measure into law on July 15, 2025, enabling Ukrainians, under certain conditions, to legally hold passports from two or more countries simultaneously.

By Tamilla Hasanova