Author: Megan M.
Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion
Almost 1100 days have passed since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion into Ukraine. Early December 2024 reports from President Zelensky estimate that roughly 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in action since the start of the war, with another 370,000 wounded. President Zelensky also notes that Russian losses are significantly higher [than Ukrainian] “at a ratio of 5- to -1 or even 6- to -1…”. However, these statistics differ significantly from those coming out of the United States, who report much higher losses.
As of August 2024, an estimated 11,743 civilians have been killed as a result of the war, and almost another 25,000 injured.
It’s no secret that Ukrainian soldiers are badly outnumbered on the battlefield and concerns loom with the U.S. presidential elections and recent change of power in America. Former President Joe Biden and his administration urged Ukraine to lower the mobilization age to 18 from its current age of 25 to offset this difference in manpower between the two countries. However, Ukraine has not changed the mobilization age and instead relies on help from its allies around the world, including foreign volunteers.
There are several ways that foreigners are able to help. This article will discuss a few of them.

International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine
The International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine, or International Legion, was created on February 27, 2022 by President Zelensky, in order to recruit foreigners to help fight against Russian aggression. The International Legion offers a choice of several battalions that the applicant can typically choose from (including medical and drone battalions), if selected for service. Members of the Legion also get specialized training prior to being deployed.
Candidate requirements include:
- 18-60 years of age
- No criminal record
- No chronic diseases
- Physical fitness
- Ability to legally enter Ukraine
Military or relevant experience (preferred)
Combat experience (preferred)
You must know English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, or Ukrainian in order to apply.
Steps to apply:
- Scan your passport
- Scan any relevant experience, including military documents
- Fill out and submit a form (located on their website: https://ildu.com.ua/#candidate-requirements)
After submitting your application, if selected, you will need to interview (typically in English) over the phone. A series of questions are asked to determine eligibility prior to being selected for service in the International Legion. If selected, you will be instructed to come to Ukraine (at your own cost) and to notify the Legion when you arrive. Upon arrival at the border, you will be greeted by members of the International Legion who will further escort you into the country. Additional documentation and testing are required prior to being assigned to a battalion. If you are unable to pass these tests, you will not be allowed in the Legion.
The International Legion also requires you to sign a 3-year contract in order to serve with them, which can be broken after 6-months of continuous service. Typically, members of the International Legion are offered 30 days of vacation (and an additional 10 days off) per year, however these numbers may change or differ depending on the needs of the battalion.

International Companies and Brigades
There are several international companies, foundations, and brigades that have worked along the front-lines (and several other oblasts within Ukraine) since the start of the full-scale invasion. Foreigners wanting to help in Ukraine can typically apply online. Information regarding some of these companies and foundations are listed below:
- MOAS is part of the Health Cluster lead by the WHO. They provide emergency response at the point of injury and also help with damage control and evacuation. To find out more information about MOAS, please visit their website: https://www.moas.eu/ukraine/
- International Medical Corps works to increase access to medical care and supplies, helping those within Ukraine as well as those that have been displaced. You can search different job openings on their site, here: https://internationalmedicalcorps.org/work-with-us/
Ukrainian Companies
- Ukrainian Red Cross Society not only delivers necessary supplies all over Ukraine, but also provides mobile health consultations, first aid, evacuations, home-based care, and more. You can find out more on their website, here: https://redcross.org.ua/en/
- Hospitallers is a Ukrainian volunteer paramedic organization that provides medical stabilization for soldiers along the front lines. Although they are only recruiting Ukrainian doctors at this time, you can check for future updates on their site, here: https://www.hospitallers.org.uk/join-hospitallers

Preparing to Come to Ukraine
Making the decision to come to Ukraine is both brave and noble. However, there are several steps you should take prior to committing to this journey. Below you will find a list of items and other recommendations to help you prepare to come to Ukraine. Although this list is not all-inclusive, it should give you a good starting point to work from.
- Talk with family and close friends about coming to Ukraine during a war.
- This is a big decision. Take the time to think about it while also getting the opinions of friends and family prior to making a decision.
- Speak with local contacts in Ukraine prior to coming.
- Think about visiting Ukraine first before signing a contract to work here.
- Visiting areas such as Lviv or Kyiv can be beneficial if you have no prior combat experience. These areas will allow you to be introduced to the culture, people, language, food, and (of course) the war prior to working here. It will either help solidify your desire to work here, or help you realize that it’s not for you.
- Make sure you have good mental health and a good support system in place prior to coming.
- No matter the area you will work in, all of Ukraine is a war zone and not off-limits to Russian aggression. Schools, churches, hospitals, ambulances (and other civilian infrastructure) are often targets for Russia. No place is truly safe in Ukraine and at any point you can be injured or killed.
- Physical fitness is a must.
- At a minimum, you should be able to do the following:
- 24 push-ups in one-minute
- 24 sit-ups in one-minute
- At a minimum, you should be able to do the following:
- 4 pull-ups in one minute
- 12 minutes of continuous running (without stopping)
- Basic flexibility/range of motion
- Make sure you are financially prepared.
- Every person differs in the amount of finances they need, however having several thousand (in dollars) or more is advised to cover the cost of meals, clothing, and other unexpected events.
- Learn simple phrases in Ukrainian (including learning the alphabet).
- Also learn more about Ukrainian culture and customs prior to arriving.
- This video was designed for those joining the International Legion; however, it is still a good video to watch: https://youtu.be/x1oXqHw67to?si=OIpRuG3f-1LegjrM
- Brief History of Ukraine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NztMMRrOcFw
- Study a map of Ukraine.
- It’s always helpful to know your way around a map. Even better if you know the general locations of major oblasts in Ukraine.
- Purchase (at minimum) an individual first-aid kit (IFAK), plate carrier, chest plates (grade IV), and ballistic helmet.
- IFAK contents:
- x4 tourniquets
- x2 thermal (emergency) blankets
- IFAK contents:
- Also learn more about Ukrainian culture and customs prior to arriving.
- x2-4 military hand warmers
- x2 pairs of surgical gloves
- x2 combat gauze (hemostatic agent)
- x2 Kerlix bandage
- x1 permanent marker
- x2 elastic ACE bandage
- x1 surgical tape
- x4 chest seals
- x1 medical scissors (for cutting clothes).
- IFAK pouch/bag
- Learn and/or take a basic first-aid course.
- In the US, there are courses offered state-wide for basic life support (BLS) and other first-aid courses.
- The Red Cross offers courses here: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid/first-aid-training?srsltid=AfmBOoqkLIx3cRdf_k4RKe0Qav4wztSi7MsFOpyZ0sOexxjapw03hRQG
- General information for civilians can also be found here: https://ukraineangels.org/emergency/fa4cuf/
- Check entry requirements/long-stay requirements
- Depending on your length of stay in Ukraine you may need a visa or other documents. Check out this site, here for more information: https://mfa.gov.ua/en/consular-affairs/entry-and-stay-foreigners-ukraine/visa-information
- Support local businesses while you are in Ukraine
- If you decide not to come to Ukraine, you can still help by donating to Ukrainian-based companies.
- In the US, there are courses offered state-wide for basic life support (BLS) and other first-aid courses.
Still have questions? You can reach us at: megan.miner10@gmail.com