Third Batch of Ukrainian Legion Volunteers Prepare to Forge Alliance with Ukrainian Armed Forces

Key Takeaways:

– Third group of Ukrainian Legion volunteer contracts ready for official signing with Ukraine’s Armed Forces by the end of February.
– Delayed participants from the second wave are included in this third assemblage.
– An upward trajectory is expected to continue in the number of Ukrainians abroad signing contracts with the Ukrainian army.
– High concern given to amplifying information campaigns to reach more Ukrainians abroad regarding the work of the Lublin recruitment center.
– Initial tranches of volunteers have already sealed agreement with Ukrainian Armed Forces in November 2020 and January 2021.
– An integral part of the security agreement signed between Ukraine and Poland deals with training Ukrainian military units in Poland.
– After formal agreement signing, Ukrainian Legion members undergo training in Lublin, under NATO country instructors.
– A bilateral agreement ensures supply of military uniforms and medicines, and training provisions, including infrastructure, equipment and weapons from Ukrainian and Polish sides respectively.

Towards a Strengthened Ukrainian Armed Force

The latest sets of volunteers for the Ukrainian Legion will engage in official contracts with the Armed Forces of Ukraine near the end of this month. These contracts signal mutual commitment and a steadier partnership between the volunteers and the Armed Forces. Ukraine’s Ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, notes this upcoming milestone, emphasizing the commitment of volunteers despite the geographic challenges they face.

Inclusivity in Recruitment

Bodnar’s statements also underscored inclusion, stating that the upcoming signing will not exclude those late for the second wave earlier in January. Simply put, everyone who has shown commitment and desire to be part of the Legion will be given a chance, regardless of when they arrived in Lublin, Poland.

Progressive Increase in Volunteers

The most news-worthy revelation from Bodnar was about an ongoing positive trend: apparently, the number of Ukrainians residing abroad signing contracts with the Ukrainian army seems to be on the rise. This could point to an increase in international camaraderie and a higher level of commitment to the cause from Ukrainians living overseas.

Enhancing Information Campaigns

With the rise in overseas volunteers, Bodnar emphasized the need to give more thought to specific actions to increase the momentum. This primarily includes strengthening the information campaign to ensure that more Ukrainians abroad are reached with information on the recruitment center in Lublin, Poland.

Novelty in the Ukraine-Poland Security Agreement

The volunteer groups in question came into being as a result of an agreement signed in early July last year between Ukraine and Poland. The agreement, secured by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, included a specific clause involving the training of Ukrainian military units in Poland.

Training the Ukrainian Legion

The volunteers signing contracts are entitled to a fixed term of service encompassing one to three years or for a special period. Post contract signing, the new members are forwarded to a training area near Lublin. Instructors from NATO countries conduct the training at a pre-designated locale. After conclusion of the basic training, soldiers requiring specialized training have the option for further detailed sessions elsewhere.

Terms of Bilateral Agreement

As per the agreement between Ukraine and Poland, the Ukrainian side is responsible for providing military uniforms and medicines to the volunteers, while Poland takes charge of the infrastructure, equipment, and weapons required during the training period. This symbiotic agreement bolsters the bond between the two nations and enables the Legion to receive the best of both worlds.

This forward move signifies the strengthening of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with increased participation from Ukrainian citizens irrespective of their residential status. The cooperation between the two countries is marked by a zeal to build a stronger defense force.

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