KYIV: President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday urged foreigners to head to Ukrainian embassies worldwide to sign up for an “international brigade” of volunteers to help fight invading Russian forces.

“All foreigners wishing to join the resistance against the Russian occupiers and protect global security are invited by the Ukrainian leadership to come to our state and join the ranks of the territorial defence forces,” Zelensky said in a statement.

“A separate unit is being formed from foreigners — the International Brigade for the territorial defence of Ukraine. This will be a key testimony of your support for our country.”

Zelensky insisted that Ukrainians were courageous enough to face Russia alone, but said: “This is not just a Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is the beginning of a war against Europe.”

The statement comes after Zelensky earlier called on foreigners with combat experience to come to help defend his country. Outgunned Ukrainian forces are battling to halt a multi-pronged attack from Russia’s military as it seeks to push deeper into its pro-Western neighbour.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2022