Foreigners serving with Ukraine Army protected by Geneva Convention - General Staff

All foreign nationals fighting against Russian invaders on the side of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are seen as combatants, being entitled to the relevant rights.

That’s according to a statement by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the status of foreign citizens and stateless persons taking part in hostilities in the territory of Ukraine.

It is noted that all foreign citizens and stateless persons who take part in hostilities in the territory of Ukraine as part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shall be admitted to contracted military service voluntarily in accordance with Law of Ukraine "On Military Duty and Military Service" of 1992.

Such persons are servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who, in accordance with the provisions of the Geneva Conventions for the Protection of Victims of War of 1949 and the Additional Protocols thereto, 1977, are granted legal status of combatants. The status, among other things, gives such persons the right to be treated as prisoners of war in the event of being captured by enemy forces.

The General Staff recalls that the 1949 Geneva Conventions prohibit any illegal acts, including violence, intimidation, or inaction against prisoners of war, and mandate humane treatment of prisoners of war. Failure to comply with the recognized norms of international humanitarian law is a serious violation of the Convention.

As reported, Ukraine has established the International Legion as part of its Territorial Defense Force, consisting of foreigners willing to join the resistance to Russian invaders and protect international security.