Ukraine announced on Monday that it has received thousands of applications from foreigners expressing their readiness to join what it termed the "International Legion," which President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed he plans to form to fight Russian forces. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar stated on Facebook, "We have already received several thousand applications from foreigners who want to join the resistance against the Russian occupiers and protect global security from (Russian President Vladimir) Putin," according to the Ukrainian news agency.
President Zelensky stated on Sunday that Ukraine would create a foreign "international" legion for volunteers from abroad. Zelensky added in a statement, "This will be the main proof of your support for our country," as reported by Reuters. Since the beginning of the war, Ukrainian authorities have spoken about their need for civilian assistance in the fight against Russian forces and have shown videos of the distribution of firearms to residents of cities.
Military developments are occurring alongside negotiations that have already begun between Ukraine and Russia on Monday to avoid further escalation. Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak informed Reuters via text message on Monday that talks between Ukraine and Russia started at a location on the border with Belarus. Earlier, Ukraine stated that its delegation had reached the Belarusian border to conduct talks with the Russian side to end the invasion that began on Thursday. The office of the Ukrainian president reported that "the main goal of the talks with Russia is the immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops."
These developments follow remarks from Russian negotiator and Kremlin advisor Vladimir Medinsky, who stated that Moscow wants to reach an "agreement" with Kyiv. Medinsky explained on Russian television, "The longer the conflict lasts, the more Ukrainian citizens and soldiers die. We agreed to reach an agreement, but it must be in the interest of both parties."
