Foreigners who legally reside in the Ukrainian territory, have no prior criminal record, and meet the requirements for military service may be accepted for military service in the National Guard of Ukraine, the decree reads.

To join the National Guard, foreigners must apply to the territorial recruitment center in their place of residence or directly to the military unit where they wish to serve under contract.

Foreign women can be recruited for military service on a contract basis if there are vacancies in the National Guard that can be filled by women.

Applicants will have to pass a medical examination as well as a fitness test. Foreigners recruited for military service will have a two-month probationary period. Contracts for privates will be for three years, while those for sergeants and officers for a period of three to five years.

Previously, foreigners could serve only in the International Legion, which was created on the initiative of President Zelenskyy on February 27, 2022, following the Russian invasion.