By the end of 2025, all four units of the Ukrainian Ground Forces known as the “International Legions” are set to be disbanded, the BBC Ukrainian service reported on Saturday, citing the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
A secret order for the move was issued in autumn, with completion scheduled for 31 December. Foreign volunteers are expected to be integrated into the Ukrainian assault troops — a move intended to improve operational efficiency.
The General Staff said that the legions have fulfilled their role and now must be fully integrated into Ukraine’s regular defence structure. Representatives of the legions warned that the decision could reduce the flow of international volunteers, or even stop it entirely.
Created by presidential decree on 27 February 2022, the International Legions primarily recruited experienced foreign soldiers or police officers who volunteered on three-year contracts, with the option to leave after 6 months. Thousands have joined from over 75 countries, including the UK, USA, Georgia, Poland, Colombia and Brazil.
As of 2025, each legion numbered roughly a battalion (400-600 personnel), with three operational combat units and one training unit, according to the BBC. They fought in major defensive and offensive operations across the eastern Ukrainian regions of Kharkiv and Russian-occupied Donetsk.
This decision to disband the international legions has been met with resistance, however, with one deputy battalion commander, Andriy Spivak, warning that merging them into assault troops could alienate foreign volunteers and undermine the legions’ tactics. Concerns also arose regarding cultural and operational differences.
The move to disband the legions marks an evolution in Ukraine’s military strategy, aiming to consolidate volunteer experience, enhance tactical innovation and integrate foreign fighters fully into the national defence structure.