Over 45,000 personnel sign contract to join Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2016

14:37, 16.08.2016 1 min read

More than 45,000 people serving under contract have joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces since the beginning of the year, acting director of the Main Personnel Directorate and Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff deputy chief Volodymyr Talalai said.

"A total of 45,000 men, including 5,000 officers, have been hired by the Armed Forces to serve under contract since the beginning of the year," he said at a press briefing on Tuesday.

The General Staff expects that another 25,000-30,000 people could join the Ukrainian army before the end of 2016.

Around 100 foreign citizens are serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces under contract today, he said.

"It is fewer than 100 people today," he said.

Ukrainian legislation does not allow foreign citizens to be conscripted for military service other than under contract, Talalai said.