Czech government allows 60 citizens to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine

3 November, 2024 Illustrative photo of a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Photo from open sources. Czech President Petr Pavel approved 60 applications from Czech citizens to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

ArmyInform reported on this with reference to the president's spokesman, Philip Platosh. The Czech President reportedly received 181 such requests for permission to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The approved applications were processed by the Czech Ministries of Defense, Interior, and Foreign Affairs.

According to Czech law, if a Czech citizen wants to legally join the war on the side of Ukraine, the volunteer must first ask the president for permission to serve in foreign armed forces.

Illustrative photo of a soldier. Photo from open sources.

Otherwise, if the necessary procedures are not followed, the Czech citizen faces criminal liability. Citizens of the country can also apply for a service permit retroactively.

On October 29, it was reported that Czech President Petr Pavel posthumously awarded Czech volunteer Karel Kucera, who defended Ukraine from Russian invaders in the ranks of the International Legion and was killed near Bakhmut. On the country's Independence Day, Petr Pavel awarded Karel Kucera with the Medal for Heroism.

Presentation of the Medal of Heroism to the family of the Czech volunteer Karel Kucera, who died in Ukraine, by the President of the Czech Republic. October 28, 2024.

Photo credits: IDNES

This is a state award of the Czech Republic, given for military exploits and other deeds involving risk to life to save people or large material assets.

Foreigners in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Militarnyi previously reported that foreigners will be able to hold officer positions in the Ukrainian Defense Forces. On Thursday, October 10, MPs voted to amend Law No.12023 on the procedure for contract military service by foreigners and stateless persons.

Soldiers of the Chosen Company in the Donetsk region.

Frame from the unit's video

276 MPs supported this decision, MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak reported.

The amendments to the law propose, among other things, that foreigners and stateless persons be allowed to hold officer positions in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Transport Special Service.

To do so, they will have to undergo a special test, which will be conducted by the yet-to-be-established Center for Foreign Recruitment.