Foreign Volunteer's Appeal to Ukraine's President
Michel Ruey, a 60-year-old French citizen, has turned to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with a request to permit foreign volunteers above the age of 60 to enlist in the military. Ruey, who was denied entry into the Ukrainian army due to his age, previously volunteered to assist wounded soldiers and refugees from Ukraine. He expressed a desire to serve in the 'Azov' unit and the Third Separate Assault Brigade, but recruitment centers turned him away.
Legislative Changes in Ukraine
Ukraine has already passed a law allowing its own citizens over 60 to sign military service contracts. This legislation enables Ukrainians who were discharged from military service after January 1, 2015, to enter into contracts for roles including:
- Private
- Sergeant
- Senior non-commissioned officer
- Junior or senior officer positions
Contracts last for one year, with the possibility of renewal, and include a two-month probation period.
President Zelenskyy has also signed a law allowing foreigners to serve in officer positions within Ukraine's armed forces. Under government-backed parliamentary bill No. 12023, foreign nationals and stateless individuals can now serve under contract in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, and the National Guard of Ukraine.
In his letter to the president, Ruey stated: 'Even though I am 60, I can still be a fighter. Both young and old must fight.' - Michel Ruey
He also appealed to Zelenskyy, saying: 'Please, Mr. Zelenskyy, draw a parallel. Issue the same decree for foreigners. What is good for Ukrainians should be good for foreigners.'
This situation highlights the challenges foreign volunteers encounter in Ukraine, particularly due to age restrictions. At the same time, the adoption of legislation permitting foreigners to serve in Ukraine's armed forces reflects the country's drive to secure international support in its fight against aggression. It is crucial that such initiatives consider the capabilities and experience of individuals willing to contribute to the nation's defense, regardless of their age. Against the backdrop of war, this issue grows increasingly urgent as the army's needs expand and resources may fall short.
The ongoing discussions around military recruitment in Ukraine are not limited to age restrictions for foreign volunteers. In a related context, a recent statement from a lawmaker has raised concerns about the establishment of new artillery brigades in 2025, calling for a comprehensive reevaluation of the army's structure. This highlights the broader implications of military policy changes and their impact on both domestic and foreign personnel. For more insights on this topic, read about the controversy surrounding new artillery units.