Ready to support Ukraine? Here's crucial information before you join
In a striking echo of past conflicts, idealistic Americans and individuals from around the globe are once again joining the fight of another nation, this time in Ukraine, against a brutal enemy. This phenomenon, as noted by journalist Hollings, is the focus of a recent article.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an impassioned call for volunteers to fight alongside Ukraine against Russian forces on Feb. 27. In the first week alone, more than 20,000 volunteers answered the call. Among them, not just seasoned military personnel, but also those without prior experience, driven by a sense of obligation and a desire to protect Ukraine's sovereignty.
Foreign fighters in Ukraine are likely to find themselves in a low-tech, guerilla insurgency. They may be assigned to units with other English speakers such as Australians, Canadians, and Brits, providing a familiar support network. The tactics that U.S. servicemembers have been trained to counter are effective against the Russians, thanks in part to the experience of U.S. special operations veterans like Green Berets, who have experience in training Indigenous forces for irregular warfare.
The Putin regime has warned that foreign fighters joining the Ukrainian side will not be treated as lawful combatants if captured. Despite this, foreigners have the right to enlist in Ukraine's Territorial Defense Forces according to a 2016 Ukrainian law. However, Americans could face consequences if they accept a commission as an officer or noncommissioned officer in the Ukrainian military, or if they state an intention to renounce their U.S. citizenship. The Neutrality Act, while rarely enforced, would not apply to Americans fighting in Ukraine.
Foreign fighters have appeared in more than a quarter of civil wars in the last 200 years. They are often recruited by the weaker side, believing they are defending a common community facing an existential threat. This is evident in the case of the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine, a group composed of foreign fighters aligned with Ukraine against Russian aggression. Nations contributing to this legion include volunteers from various countries worldwide, although a comprehensive public list is not explicitly provided.
Notably, the French Foreign Legion, a mercenary unit in the French army open to male recruits from any nationality, is also a historical example of foreign fighters in conflict.
On the Ukrainian front, Russian forces have staged a rocket attack against a military base in western Ukraine that was a training facility for foreign fighters. This underscores the gravity and danger of the situation, yet it does not deter the volunteers.
U.S. veteran Matthew Parker, who served with a Ukrainian American soldier in Iraq, is one of the many who have joined the fight in Ukraine. His decision reflects the sentiment of many: a sense of duty, a desire to protect, and a belief in the cause.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the role of foreign fighters will undoubtedly be a significant factor. Their presence serves as a testament to the global solidarity against oppression and a reminder of the enduring spirit of citizens who are willing to put their lives on the line for a cause they believe in.
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