Khartia Brigade is forming an international battalion

We continue our coverage of the formation of foreign units within the Armed Forces and the National Guard. One of the latest — though already active for some time — is the Khartia Brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard, which is currently establishing an international battalion.

Formation of the International Battalion

The 4th Battalion of Operational Assignment of the brigade has taken a leading role in recruiting foreign volunteers, particularly those with prior military experience.

According to posts on the Ukrainian Foreign Legion subreddit – commonly used for volunteer coordination and recruitment – the battalion is expanding its English-speaking platoon into a full company, with additional French-speaking sections. A section commander, callsign Maple, stated that the battalion seeks candidates aged 21 to 35, specifically for roles such as machine gunners, medics, marksmen, grenadiers, and line infantry.

While military experience was stated to be preferred, individuals with relevant medical backgrounds were also said to potentially be considered. The unit is reportedly transitioning from a defensive to an assault-oriented role, but continues to require personnel for both tasks. One unit within the battalion was confirmed, receiving its battle flag and title.

Guajiro International Unit

The unit’s name, Guajiro, is a reference to the fact that in many Latin American countries the term refers to a rural, tough, resilient person – often a farmer with a strong connection to the land and hard work. This evokes resilience and grit, and emphasizes their Latin American identity within the battalion.

In the same aforementioned Reddit post, Maples stated that the Colombian unit operated independently from the English-speaking company. The unit was revealed in early to mid-April 2025, receiving its battle flag. The unit is composed of predominantly South American volunteers. The unit was also seen to have received its own unique insignia in a video on April 16th, 2025, published by the brigade.

The insignia stays true to the theme of the Khartia brigade’s battalion insignias, being unique across the entirety of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. The insignia is a rectangle with the rounded edges in subdued field colours, with the central theme of the emblem being a depiction of an eagle or bird species of some sort in minimalistic, sharp, angular shapes.

In a defunct post on the same subreddit, which was taken down by moderators, it is alleged that there was also an English-speaking platoon in the 2nd Battalion of Operational Assignment of the brigade. Although no further sources or posts could be used to reinforce or verify this. It is possible that the 4th Battalion of Khartia is being entirely built upon foreigners with Ukrainians integrated to help coordination between the two groups easier; however, it is difficult to tell as of now during the active recruitment process.