How much do foreign legionnaires in the Armed Forces of Ukraine receive?

Serving in the International Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is a real opportunity to help Ukraine, gain combat experience and a decent salary. Find out how much foreigners earn for combat missions and how to become a part of the Ukrainian army

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The International Legions of Defence of Ukraine (ILDU) are volunteer battalions subordinated to the Land Forces Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. For more than three years, foreign legionnaires from more than 75 countries have taken part in hundreds of operations and the liberation of dozens of settlements. Volunteers sign a regular military contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and enjoy the same financial and social guarantees as Ukrainian servicemen.

We will tell you what payments foreigners receive for participating in combat operations and how to sign a contract.

How much do foreign legionnaires get paid?

🔺 Base salary: from UAH 20,200 per month. It is accrued from the first day after signing the contract, including the training period.

🔺 Allowance for staying in the combat zone: approximately UAH 1,000 per day (i.e. about UAH 30,000 for a full month at zero).

🔺 Additional payment for direct combat missions: up to UAH 100,000 per month - calculated in proportion to the days of actual combat sorties.

🔺 Bonus for every 30 days on the front line: UAH 70,000 in addition to other payments.

Total:

Training or rear service - ≈ 20,200 UAH/month.

A month of duty without clashes - ≈ 50,000 UAH/month.

A full month of active combat - 220,000 UAH or more.

In addition to money, legionnaires receive free uniforms, food, housing, medical care, life insurance and other social guarantees of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

For reference: the NBU exchange rate in April 2025 is about UAH 41.5 per USD 1.

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How a foreigner can join the International Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

1. Apply only on the official website: go to https://ildu.mil.gov.ua (the mil.gov.ua domain belongs to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine). Fill in the application form, attach scans of your passport and (if available) documents on military experience.

2. Wait for the recruiter to contact you. He will clarify the details and schedule an online interview.

3. Arrive in Ukraine. The recommended checkpoint is ‘Shehyni’ on the Ukrainian-Polish border, where the ILDU recruitment centre operates.

4. Get registered and undergo a medical examination. At the recruitment point, a personal file is formed, physical fitness is checked, and a contract is concluded.

5. Complete basic training. 2-6 weeks of general military training (depending on your experience). You will be paid during the training.

6. Go to the unit. Before you go to the front, you have to undergo combat coordination. From the moment you arrive in the JFO zone, you will receive a supplement of UAH 30,000/month, and an additional UAH 100,000/month when performing combat missions.

Minimum requirements

▪️ Age 18-60 years.

▪️ No serious chronic illnesses or outstanding criminal record.

▪️ Acceptable physical fitness (checked by the instructor).

▪️ Basic knowledge of English or Ukrainian for combat radio communications.

▪️ Military experience is welcome, but not required - motivated newcomers are provided with a full training course.

Important: do not use unofficial websites, forums or ‘agents’. Any resources other than ildu.mil.gov.ua may collect your personal data for fraud or intelligence purposes.

We remind you! Not only Ukrainians are fighting for the freedom and independence of Ukraine. Thousands of foreigners are fighting side by side with our compatriots on the battlefield for the freedom of the democratic world. Find out why foreign nationals are fighting for Ukraine.

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