UKRAINE, Feb. 13 — The International Legions are not being disbanded but reorganized to improve efficiency and strengthen the combat capability of the Ukraine’s Defense Forces, Defense Ministry claimed on Feb. 13.

The ministry’s press service said the “International Legion” is a general term for a network of foreign volunteer units operating within different branches of Ukraine’s military.

These typically include infantry units within the Ground Forces and Territorial Defense, as well as specialized units under the Ukrainian main intelligence agency (HUR), the Special Operations Forces and separate brigades of the National Guard.

The changes primarily affect infantry battalions formed at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion to quickly recruit foreigners. Now, they will be integrated into existing brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the ministry says.

The ministry also claimed that this move will give international volunteers access to better weapons, equipment and logistics that are available to regular units.

“The goal is to ensure that the same combat missions are carried out with reliable support of heavy equipment provided by an army’s brigade,” the statement said, adding that legionnaires would gain access to brigade’s logistics and resources. Previously, the Defence Ministry said, foreign fighters in International Legions often acted as “light infantry,” implying they were less protected. 

At the same time, specialized personnel, including combat medics, drone operators and snipers, will continue to serve on these posts within the new brigades. Foreign volunteers will be able to choose units for further service, too, the ministry said.

“Citizens 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 service members,” the Defence Ministry added.

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