Czech Republic Considers Creating a Ukrainian Legion Inspired by Polish Model.

The Czech Republic is currently evaluating the possibility of creating a "Ukrainian Legion" based on the recently initiated Polish project. This initiative, reported by Gromada.cz is being examined by the Czech Ministry of Defense from a practical and legal standpoint. The plan involves Ukrainians receiving training abroad, serving in the Ukrainian Defense Forces, and then returning to their country of residence.
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Ukrainian military during exercises in the Czech Republic, December 2022. (Picture source: Czech Army)

In the Czech Republic, as in Poland, participation in this training would be voluntary. The Czech Ministry of Defense is gathering additional information from Poland regarding the formation of the "Ukrainian Legion." Davyd Polak, the ministry's spokesperson, indicated that the collected information would help assess the Czech Republic's potential involvement in this project.

According to the latest data from the Czech Ministry of the Interior, over 100,000 Ukrainian men aged 18 to 65 reside in the Czech Republic. Interior Minister Vit Rakushan had previously ruled out the possibility of forcibly returning them to Ukraine, emphasizing that under the current temporary protection, there is no legal framework to expel these individuals to their home country.

Defense Minister Yana Tchernokhova has expressed support for the Polish approach to forming legions. She highlighted that many Ukrainian citizens wish to help their country without returning to Ukraine, where the future remains uncertain. The opportunity to serve in a military unit in the Czech Republic would offer a viable solution for these volunteers.

In July, Ukraine signed a security agreement with Poland, encouraging Ukrainians to return home to serve in their security and defense forces. In Poland, the creation of the "Ukrainian Legion" has been proposed, allowing Ukrainians to receive training in NATO countries and subsequently fight Russian forces in Ukraine.

This project, which could be adopted by the Czech Republic, aims to involve Ukrainian citizens living abroad in the defense of their homeland while addressing their security and stability needs. Facing Russia, Ukraine is in dire need of manpower, and these legions help partially fulfill those needs.