Ukraine is set to disband its International Legions by the end of the year, with foreign fighters to be reassigned to newly formed assault units, as Kiev moves to address mounting manpower shortages within its armed forces.
The decision was announced by Ukraine’s Ground Forces and will see the dissolution of four International Legion formations, including a dedicated training unit. Personnel from these units are to be transferred into so-called assault units, often referred to as “stormtroopers,” which deserters who are caught are also sent to as punishment due to the probability of being killed as being part of these units.
Ukrainian media have reported that the move is directly tied to worsening manpower shortages, an issue that has become increasingly visible over the past year as the conflict has dragged on. Mobilization efforts have struggled to keep pace with battlefield losses, while desertions and draft evasion have reportedly increased.
The restructuring has drawn pushback from within the International Legions themselves. Andriy Spivak, a deputy battalion commander in one of the affected units, warned that the decision could “alienate foreign volunteers.” Reports indicate that the 2nd International Legion openly resisted the reform and called for it to be reversed.
Ukrainian military channels have also noted a wave of contract cancellations and refusals to renew service agreements, with many foreign fighters reportedly unwilling to be reassigned to assault roles. Some observers believe the policy could prompt a significant number of foreign volunteers to leave the country altogether.
The International Legions were established in early 2022 by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and initially attracted thousands of volunteers from abroad. Over time, however, the units developed a reputation for operating well behind the front lines. Their members often maintained prominent social media profiles, posting photos and videos while engaging in fundraising activities, which became a source of internal friction.
In several cases, disputes over fundraising and unit leadership led to investigations, allegations of fraud, and, in rare instances, unexplained killings among foreign fighters, which were widely believed to be linked to internal conflicts.
Ukraine’s manpower challenges have become increasingly evident in recent weeks. The fall of Seversk and the expected loss of Huliaipole—both of which Ukrainian forces had held for nearly three and a half years—have underscored the strain on Kiev’s ability to maintain defensive lines.