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Migration and Home Affairs

“People are still fighting.” (Lack of) Change for the Foreign Fighters for Ukraine

Related topic:

Management of Foreign Terrorist Fighters, Volunteers, and Their Families

Description:

This report takes stock of the foreign fighter phenomenon in the Ukraine conflict as of early 2025, focusing on whether and how much the reality for volunteers and foreign combatants has changed over time. It discusses organisational, contractual, compensation and legal issues and explores evolving motivations among those who continue to fight, noting that for many the commitment now reflects enduring attachment to the conflict rather than early idealistic impulses. The analysis offers insight into the complex personal and policy dynamics affecting foreign fighters and the practical challenges of managing their status and potential return in policy and security frameworks.

Link:

Read the document

Language:

English

Date: 

11.03.2026

Proposed by:

PPHS

Source:

International Centre for Counter‑Terrorism (ICCT), 2025