Nearly 1,300 Ukrainians living across Europe have applied to join the Poland-based Ukrainian Legion, launched in July 2024 to address manpower shortages in Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Recruitment began in October at a center in Lublin, Poland, with volunteers trained by the Polish Armed Forces using NATO weaponry. On Jan. 10, a second group, including women in medical and communications roles, signed contracts, signaling rising interest in the initiative. The legion enables Ukrainians abroad to contribute to the war effort while maintaining residence outside Ukraine, where over 6.7 million fled since the start of the full-scale invasion.