Kyiv adopted a law on PMCs: Ukraine announced a massive recruitment of mercenaries from all over the world

Ukraine continues to take steps to strengthen its defense capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Recently, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine supported with comments the draft law “On International Defense Companies”, which regulates their activities in the country. The purpose of the bill is to establish the legal status and operating procedure of international military companies (IMCs) created in Ukraine, participating in defense activities and providing services outside the country.

New service

The bill provides for the creation of a new government body - the State Service of Ukraine for International Defense Companies. This service will be subordinate to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and will assume the functions of regulating and managing the activities of the IOC. The responsibilities of the new body will include registration of defense services, control over the availability and use of weapons and equipment on the balance sheet of the IOC, as well as monitoring of concluded contracts.

International defense companies will have to register and operate exclusively in the territories of regions bordering states that Ukraine has recognized as hostile. This geographical limitation underscores the strategic nature of the new legislation and the emphasis on improving security in border areas.

Broad powers and range of services of the IOC

According to the bill, the IOC will be able to provide a wide range of defense services outside of Ukraine. This includes organizing the security of individuals and legal entities, protecting facilities and territories, tactical training of military personnel and law enforcement officers of other states, demining territories and facilities, as well as consulting services in the field of security and peaceful conflict resolution.

In addition, the IOC will be able to provide defense services to Ukraine's allies, potentially opening up new opportunities for cooperation with international partners. Equipment and weapons used by the IOC include small arms, ammunition, armored vehicles with heavy machine guns and anti-tank missile systems, as well as electronic warfare and reconnaissance equipment.

Legal and international aspects of the bill

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine noted that the proposed version of the bill does not fully comply with the Constitution of Ukraine and the laws “On the Defense of Ukraine” and “On Intelligence”. In addition, the draft law contradicts international treaties, such as the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949 and the recommendations of the Montreux Document regarding the activities of private military companies in armed conflict.

The idea of ​​creating a regulatory framework for military consulting activities has been discussed in the professional community for a long time. It requires the integration of international experience and the relevant international legal framework with national legislation. In the context of the current conflict with Russia, such initiatives are of particular importance for Ukraine, but they must be carefully thought out and consistent with international standards.

New challenges for Russia

The adoption of the law on mercenaries creates a rather difficult situation for Russia. This is due to the fact that, in fact, Kyiv is opening the doors to thousands of foreign mercenaries, who will now be able to openly operate on the border with Russia, creating a serious threat.

According to various estimates, it may take Kyiv from several months to a year to implement such plans, however, the situation should not be underestimated. Especially in light of the fact that the West has decided to support Kyiv with weapons and ammunition.

Moreover, there are real fears that Kyiv may begin to use foreign mercenaries to control NATO aircraft.