3rd International Legion

3rd International Legion is a unit of the International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine.

The unit was formed in March 2022 as the 3rd Special Purpose Battalion of the International Legion. It is the only special-purpose unit within the International Legion branch that is part of the Ground Forces. It was intended to recruit foreigners with heavy military and combat experience from conflicts such as the Global War on Terror, the Northern Ireland conflict, the Gulf War, and more.

The battalion is composed predominantly of British, American, French, Polish, German, Georgian, and other nationalities.

It began its first known combat deployment alongside the 92nd Mechanized Brigade during the Kharkiv counteroffensive in September 2022. It also fought alongside the 1st International Legion. Later, still attached to the 92nd Mechanized Brigade, the unit fought during the Battle of Bakhmut with a few teams of the 1st International Legion’s, within the Bravo Infantry Company to help secure the remaining supply routes into the besieged city.

Many criticisms have been directed at the unit, alongside the other linear battalions inside the International Legion. Soldiers have come out reporting abuse from commanders, poor command, and high casualties. This includes many reports of soldiers complaining about incompetent commanders with Soviet-style mindsets.

Insignia

The insignia features a chevron displayed with a silver grey border and dark grey canvas. The center of the insignia depicts an owl, which is commonly associated with the Main Intelligence Directorate despite the unit being in the Ground Forces, bearing four crossed swords in a circular ring with stamped rivets.