Integration of International Legions into assault units is logical step – Land Forces
The International Legions of Ukraine's Defense have been integrated into the assault units of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to Ukrinform, the Land Forces stated this on Facebook.
"They have gained new career development opportunities and strengthened their capabilities with new weapons and military equipment. Foreign units are not disappearing. They are transforming to become stronger. Instead of being separate battalions, they are integrating into effective and experienced units of the Land Forces," the statement says.
The Land Forces explained that this is a logical step, as the legionnaires are servicemen of special-purpose battalions within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
As noted in the statement, "assault operations and counter-sabotage missions are exactly what the legion personnel have been engaged in since the first days of their establishment. Integration into other units does not lower their level; on the contrary, it enhances their capabilities, ensures better protection for servicemen on the battlefield, and provides reinforcement with unmanned systems, artillery, and aerial reconnaissance. Foreign units have gained access to the resources and logistics of regular formations."
Combat missions for the personnel of the International Legions remain unchanged. The soldiers continue to operate in the same directions, in the same areas, and under the same conditions. The only difference is increased support, which significantly boosts their combat resilience, the Land Forces emphasized.
Legion servicemen have also received opportunities for development and retraining – as UAV operators, artillery personnel, reconnaissance specialists, or in rear support roles according to their competencies.
"Most foreigners have not only remained in the ranks but are also independently recruiting new colleagues from abroad specifically to their new units, as they see prospects for development rather than threats," the Land Forces noted.
At the same time, it is reported that there is ongoing discussion in the information space regarding the integration of the legions, which some are attempting to portray as liquidation.
According to the Land Forces, a service inspection identified certain violations in record-keeping and management processes that required response and streamlining.
"Some of the public comments that appeared later do not reflect the full picture and may be linked to the unwillingness of certain officials to lose their functions or positions following the decisions made. We emphasize that the measures taken are aimed solely at increasing transparency, accountability, and combat effectiveness of the units, not at terminating the activities of foreigners within the ranks of the Ground Forces," the statement says.
"We value every foreign volunteer and are removing barriers between our citizens and foreigners. Representatives of other countries who defend our land have exactly the same rights, social guarantees, and, most importantly, the same level of support and provision as Ukrainian soldiers," the Land Forces stressed.
As Ukrinform previously reported, the Ministry of Defense clarified the mechanism for joining and the current specifics of military service under contract for foreign citizens.
Photo: facebook.com/UALandForces