Thinking of joining Ukraine’s armed forces? Not so fast, says MHA

Similar to what is happening in other parts of the world, some Singaporeans seem to be keen on joining the fight in Ukraine against Russia, whose soldiers began invading on Feb 24.

But the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a warning on Thursday (March 10) that to sign up to fight a war that isn’t Singapore’s to wage is actually an offence.

MHA said in a statement that the Ukraine Embassy has received calls from individuals who expressed an interest to join the International Legion for the Territorial Defence of Ukraine.

“We would like to highlight that it is an offence for any person, whilst in Singapore, to wage, attempt to wage, or abet the waging of war, against the government of any power with which Singapore is not at war. 

For citizens of Singapore, in particular, even if they commit these acts whilst outside Singapore, they will be legally deemed to have committed them as if in Singapore, and hence liable for an offence,” MHA said.

The ministry underlined Singapore’s clear stance condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and called for Russia to cease its military action.

The MHA also said that if Singaporeans would like to help the people of Ukraine, there are other ways to do so, such as donations to organisations such as the Singapore Red Cross, as these funds would go toward affected communities in Ukraine.

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced the creation of the International Legion on Feb 27.

“Everyone who wants to join the defence of security in Europe and the world may come and stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainians against the invaders of the 21st Century,” he said.

He added that those wishing to join would no longer need visas to enter the country, and invited applicants to sign up through its embassies. Detailed instructions have also been published for people willing to volunteer.

Other countries appear to have taken a favourable view toward this effort. For example, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss expressed support for people from the UK who would join the effort, telling the BBC that this is a battle “for democracy” and adding that the ongoing fights are “not just for Ukraine but for the whole of Europe.”

In a Facebook video on March 8, President Zelensky announced that at least 16,000 people from different countries have joined Ukraine’s forces in fighting against Russia’s attacks.

“Ukraine is already greeting foreign volunteers. The first 16,000 are already on their way to protect freedom and life for us, and for all,” he said.

Former armed forces, emergency responders, and civilians from different countries, including the UK, US, Canada, and several European nations, are said to have signed up.

The MHA’s statement on the Joining of Foreign Armed Forces may be found here. /TISG

‘Majulah Singapura’ – Ukraine thanks Singapore for showing its support, and in colour