International Legion of the Defense Intelligence is a unit operating under the combat branch of the Main Intelligence Directorate.
The unit was formed in March 2022, shortly after the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It was established as a formation intending for foreign volunteers with extensive and specialized military experience to perform specific operations of varying skillsets, bridging the gap between regular formations such as the Ukrainian Ground Forces and Ukrainian Special Operations Forces.
At the onset of the full-scale invasion, this unit became the second umbrella formation for international volunteers to join, with the first being the International Legion, originally formed as part of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces, and later transferred to the Ukrainian Ground Forces.
It conducted some of its earlier operations in Kyiv Oblast, in the first few months of full-scale war, actively contributing to the liberation of such settlements including Moschun and Irpin. It also participated in combat operations down south in Zaporizhia Oblast.
The first known linear combat formation of the unit was Foreign Service Group “Alpha”, which participated in combat operations during the summer of 2022. It fought in Lysychansk and Severodonetsk, and saw heavy fighting in the industrial sectors of both cities.
During fighting in Severodonetsk, the group’s commander, Oleksii Chubashev, call sign “Recruit”, was killed in action. It consisted of several teams, including Mars Team, Black Team, and Marksman Team.
Since its establishment, the unit has incorporated a number of volunteer formations, particularly pro-Ukrainian groups composed of volunteers from several nations. These have included fighters from Belarus, Georgia, and other countries, as well as Chechen volunteers aligned with Ukraine.
The unit’s structure consists of several linear squadrons and independent volunteer formations such as the Free Russia Legion, Nomad Volunteer Unit, Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, and more. The squadrons consists of several company’s with their own teams and groups tailored for certain operational roles.
It continues to conduct combat operations on both Ukrainian and Russian territory, having engaged in some of the most high-profile battles of the full-scale invasion.
Insignia
The insignia features a grey and yellow roundel, similar to the Main Intelligence Directorate’s emblem. At its center is an owl clutching a sword, piercing a skull. Behind it lies a minimalistic globe outline, representing the unit’s nature of being a formation for international volunteers. Around it are the unit’s inscriptions in both English and Ukrainian.
