The first volunteers of the Ukrainian Legion took the oath in Poland – Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

The first group of volunteers of the Ukrainian Legion took the oath in Poland, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported on November 16, 2024. According to the message, the oath took place on the basis of one of the training centers of the Polish army.

“This moment is special for the legion volunteers, since their decision to defend Ukraine is conscious and decisive. The unit is formed from motivated warriors, for whom defending the Motherland from the aggressor is a matter of honor,” said Petro Gorkusha, a representative of the legion’s command.

The ministry adds that the volunteers have begun an intensive training course, which includes fire training, tactical medicine, mine hazards, topography and other disciplines. Training is conducted by Polish instructors.

On November 12, the command of the Ukrainian Legion announced the signing of the first contracts with men in Poland. The exact number was not disclosed, but Gorkusha claimed that there were enough volunteers to “send to the training ground of one of the military training centers” for training.

The Ukrainian Legion is the first volunteer unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which will be formed from Ukrainians living abroad.

Admission to the Ukrainian Legion is carried out exclusively on a voluntary basis with the signing of a contract. The official page of the legion states that the military unit will be armed with modern equipment and weapons that ensure high combat effectiveness and efficiency in carrying out missions. Training is conducted by NATO instructors at the training grounds of partner countries.

The formation of the Ukrainian Legion is provided for in a bilateral security agreement between Ukraine and Poland, signed by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw on July 8, 2024.