The Czech Republic, following Poland, is considering the possibility of creating a Ukrainian Legion
30 July, 2024 Training of the Ukrainian military in the Czech Republic. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic The Czech Republic is considering creating a Ukrainian Legion based on the example of the Polish project.
Gromada.cz reported on this with reference to iDNES.cz. The Czech Ministry of Defense is currently evaluating the Polish project from a practical and legal perspective. According to the plan, Ukrainians will be trained abroad, serve in the Ukrainian Defense Forces, and then return to their home country.
In the Czech Republic, as in Poland, participation in training would be voluntary. "The Ministry of Defense is collecting additional information from Poland on the formation of the so-called Ukrainian Legion. When we have it, we will consider our possibilities of involvement," Defence Ministry spokesman David Polak to iDNES.cz said.
According to the latest data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, more than 100,000 Ukrainian men aged 18 to 65 are living in the Czech Republic.
Ukrainian military at the training ground in Libava in the Czech Republic.
2023. Photo credits: seznamzpravy.cz
Previously, Minister of Internal Affairs Vit Rakusan ruled out the possibility of their forced return to Ukraine. "As long as the temporary protection is in place, we will not have a legal instrument to deport these people and send them back to Ukraine," he said.
Ukrainian military during exercises in the Czech Republic, December 2022. Photo credits: Army of the Czech Republic
In other words, Europe is looking for approaches to involve Ukrainian citizens in the defense of their country. "The Ukrainian community living in the Czech Republic is numerous.
I think the Polish approach to legions is good. Many citizens have a desire to help their country but do not want to return to Ukraine, where they do not know what awaits them. If they were part of a unit here, it would make sense," Defense Minister Jana Cernochova told CT24.
In July, Ukraine signed a security agreement with Poland, which, among other things, encouraged Ukrainians to return home to serve in the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
Poland proposed the creation of a Ukrainian Legion, where Ukrainians would be trained in NATO countries and fight against Russian soldiers in Ukraine.