Ukraine Grants Residency and Rights to Foreign Fighters Under New Law.

Ukrainian President Signs Law Defining Legal Status for Foreign Military Personnel

According to Novyny.live: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed into law bill No. 14052, which establishes the legal status and medical support provisions for foreign nationals and stateless persons serving in Ukraine's military. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, passed this legislation on December 17, 2025, aiming to streamline the process for foreign fighters to legalize their stay in the country. This move comes as Ukraine continues to bolster its defense forces against ongoing aggression.

Under the new regulations, foreign military personnel can obtain a temporary residence permit valid for the entire duration of their contract, plus an additional three months following its conclusion. This provision ensures their legal status in Ukraine throughout that period. Applications for these permits can be submitted within a six-month window from the law's effective date.

Key Provisions and Benefits

The law also allows foreign servicemembers to use expired passports, further simplifying their legalization and residence in Ukraine. Additionally, a related bill concerning deferment after a year of military service is scheduled for consideration on February 10. These legislative changes are poised to significantly impact the legal standing of international volunteers serving within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The enactment of this law underscores Ukraine's growing reliance on and need to formally integrate foreign military volunteers into its defense structure. By formalizing their status, Ukraine aims to increase the willingness of foreigners to serve and to ease administrative burdens for those already in uniform. This step is also viewed as a means to strengthen international defense cooperation and support.