**Over 1,300 Ukrainians Join Polish Legion**
Almost 1,300 Ukrainians living in Europe have applied to join the Ukrainian Legion, a volunteer military unit based in Poland. This was announced by the Defense Ministry on January 10.
The Ukrainian Legion is a military unit made up of Ukrainians living abroad who want to fight against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The legion was created in July and has been recruiting volunteers since October. The first group of recruits was trained by the Polish Armed Forces, and now a second group has signed contracts.
**Women Join the Ranks**
For the first time, women have joined the ranks of the Ukrainian Legion. They will be working in medical and communications roles. Lieutenant Colonel Petro Pokrusha said that more people than ever before had signed up to join the legion.
“This shows the growing confidence of our citizens in this initiative,” he said.
**Training Underway**
The new recruits are being trained by Polish instructors at military facilities using NATO weaponry. This is a unique opportunity for Ukrainians living abroad to join the fight against Russia while still able to return home when their service is complete.
**Background**
Ukraine’s invasion by Russia has led to millions of people fleeing the country. The United Nations estimates that over 6.7 million Ukrainians have left Ukraine and are now living in Europe, the US, Canada, and other countries.