Dismissal of foreigners from military service in Ukraine

In accordance with the norms of the current legislation of Ukraine, foreigners and stateless persons may join the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service and the National Guard of Ukraine on a voluntary basis. The admission of such persons to service is carried out on the basis of a military contract.

Foreigners and stateless persons who have not previously been convicted and who are legally in Ukraine and meet the following requirements are accepted for military service under a contract:

• are under 60 years of age;
• have passed a special examination of foreigners and stateless persons
• are fit for military service due to their health;
• have passed a professional and psychological selection;
• have a sufficient level of physical fitness.

The contract for military service of foreigners and stateless persons establishes a probationary period of two months.
For military personnel from among foreigners and stateless persons who are accepted for military service under a contract and appointed to positions, the following terms of military service are established in calendar terms:

• for privates - 3 years;
• for sergeants and non-commissioned officers - from 3 to 5 years;
• for officers - from 1 to 5 years.

During the special period, foreign and stateless servicemen serving under a contract are guaranteed the possibility of terminating (terminating) their contract at their own request, but not earlier than six months of continuous military service.

In accordance with clause 3g of part 5 of article 26 of the Law “On Military Duty and Military Service”, foreign and stateless servicemen serving under a contract in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service and the National Guard of Ukraine may be discharged at their own request, but not earlier than six months of continuous military service.

That is, a foreign or stateless serviceman may terminate his military contract only after 6 months of continuous military service.

To be discharged, a serviceman must prepare a report on discharge from military service and submit it to his immediate commander. The report is considered for up to 14 days, after which the commander of the military unit issues an order to terminate the military contract.

If you have any additional questions regarding the discharge of foreign military personnel, you can seek advice from the specialized lawyers of the INSEININ law firm. If you are denied discharge or have additional problems, our specialists can also help you.