Ukraine signs law easing stay for foreign soldiers PHOTO

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a law simplifying the legal status of foreign military personnel serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF).

The legislation allows foreigners and stateless individuals who sign a service contract with the UAF to obtain a temporary residence permit in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports, citing the official website of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

The permit is valid for the duration of the contract and can be extended for one year after its conclusion.

The law also grants foreign servicemen access to certain social guarantees provided to Ukrainian troops, including healthcare benefits.

The move is seen as part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to formalise and support the growing number of foreign volunteers serving in its military.

Moreover, Ukraine is reportedly considering requiring foreign residents of conscription age to serve in its armed forces, a senior military commander has suggested.

Denys Yaroslavskyi, head of a Ukrainian reconnaissance unit, said over 100,000 foreigners could be recruited on a contractual basis. He proposed creating an international unit within the assault forces, with six-month mandatory contracts for eligible residents.

Yaroslavskyi argued that non-citizens living and working in Ukraine should share the responsibility of defending the country. Those who serve could retain their residency permits or potentially apply for citizenship, while others might choose to leave the country.

By Aghakazim Guliyev