Feb 10 β€’ 10:44 UTC πŸ‡±πŸ‡Ή Lithuania 15min

"It was a shock": "Le Monde" reports on what happened with the International Legion in Ukraine

The article discusses the unexpected transfer of foreign soldiers in Ukraine's International Legion and the subsequent poor conditions they faced.

The piece highlights a significant decision made by Ukraine's General Staff regarding the International Legion, announced on December 31, 2025, which caught many foreign fighters, including Danes and other nationals, by surprise. The 2nd Battalion of the Legion was temporarily relocated to Kryvyi Rih, leading to immediate discontent among its members, who felt ill-informed and unprepared for such a significant shift.

The experiences of these soldiers, such as a Danish fighter nicknamed Viking, expose the dire conditions following the transfer. He described a troubling week where soldiers were confined without basic necessities like water and internet, contributing to a sense of demoralization within the ranks, as many members opted to leave the Legion altogether. These accounts suggest a stark contrast between expectations for service and the harsh realities faced by the troops on the ground.

Moreover, Andriy Spivak, the chief of staff for the 2nd Battalion, labeled the leadership's decision a strategic mistake, indicating a broader concern regarding operational management and the morale of international troops. This situation raises questions about the future effectiveness of the International Legion amid such challenges, as the reported dissatisfaction may impact recruitment and operational readiness in an already strained context.

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