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Nearly 200 sign up for Ukrainian Legion in Poland

07.10.2024 14:30
Nearly 200 applications have been received in the first days of recruitment for the Ukrainian Legion, according to Oleh Kuts, the Consul General of Ukraine in Lublin.
A Ukrainian soldier looks up at the sky as Russia-Ukraine war continues in the Sumy region, a few kilometres from the Russian border, Ukraine on September 30, 2024.
A Ukrainian soldier looks up at the sky as Russia-Ukraine war continues in the Sumy region, a few kilometres from the Russian border, Ukraine on September 30, 2024. Fermin Torrano / Anadolu/ABACAPRESS.COM

The recruitment process is being overseen by a newly established recruitment center at the Consulate General of Ukraine in Lublin, the first of its kind in Poland and Europe.

Kuts highlighted that this center marks the beginning of a broader recruitment effort. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced the launch of the recruitment initiative on Thursday. According to Kuts, 138 applications have been submitted through the official website, with another 58 received through consulates and embassies across Poland and abroad.

The recruitment team contacts applicants to schedule in-person meetings at the Lublin center, where the details of the process are discussed, and the necessary documentation is verified. Additionally, a military medical commission is available on-site. Once all formalities are completed, applicants sign a contract with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and are informed of upcoming training dates at a Polish-provided training ground.

Ukraine is providing uniforms and logistical support for recruits, while Poland is supplying weapons and equipment. The recruitment drive targets Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 60 living in Poland and other European countries. According to Kuts, the applicants are primarily middle-aged men, legally residing in Poland and employed. When asked about their motivations, Kuts noted that while many have already joined the fight, some individuals may still be considering their options.

"For those still undecided, the offer of initial training and equipment, as well as the possibility of returning to Poland for rotations, may be the deciding factors," said Kuts. Volunteers are also compensated for their service.

Applications can be submitted via the official website legion.army.gov.ua or through Ukrainian consulates and embassies.

(jh)

Source: PAP, RMF24