President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has allowed foreigners and stateless persons to serve in the National Guard of Ukraine.
"Foreigners who are staying legally on the territory of Ukraine, have not been previously convicted and meet the requirements for military service as defined by the Law of Ukraine 'On Military Duty and Military Service' may be accepted on a voluntary basis (under contract) for military service in the National Guard of Ukraine," the presidential decree reads.
According to the law, foreigners can serve in the army under contract both as privates and as sergeants and non-commissioned officers.
In order to join the National Guard, foreigners must apply to the territorial centre for recruitment and social support at their place of residence or directly to the military unit where they wish to serve under contract.
After the medical examination and professional selection, applicants must pass a physical training test.
Foreigners recruited for military service are subject to a two-month probationary period.
The National Guard of Ukraine is a military formation with law enforcement functions that is part of the Interior Ministry. Members of the National Guard also serve in combat units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.