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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has directed the government to prepare legislation that would legalize private military companies (PMCs) in Ukraine, a move currently prohibited under existing law.
In his evening video address on May 6, Zelenskyy instructed the Interior Ministry, intelligence agencies, and the Presidential Office to draft and deliver the bill by the end of 2026. He framed the initiative as a postwar economic opportunity, particularly for veterans.
“Our export of security, after this war and for veterans, must be a real business opportunity,” Zelenskyy said. “The whole world sees that the Ukrainian warrior is truly strong, truly experienced.” He noted that many leading countries already allow their citizens to work in private military companies.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko described the planned law as aiming to create a “transparent and controlled model” for specialized security and protection services that complies with Ukraine’s Constitution.
Long-Standing Idea Gains Momentum
The announcement builds on an idea Zelenskyy first floated publicly in June 2024, shortly after Russia’s ceasefire memorandum called for Ukraine to dissolve “nationalist formations” and private military companies. At the time, Zelenskyy responded defiantly: “I will now start thinking about it after such ultimatums.”
Ukrainian lawmakers have attempted to legalize PMCs at least three times without success. The most recent effort, Draft Law No. 11214, was introduced in April 2024 by MP Serhiy Hryvko of Zelenskyy’s Servant of the People party. Titled “On International Defense Companies,” the bill would permit PMCs to provide security for individuals and entities, protect infrastructure, deliver tactical training, conduct demining operations, and use weapons and military equipment.
The legislation would also allow PMCs to purchase or lease military gear from foreign firms and Ukrainian units, operate internationally, and maintain bases in Ukraine while paying taxes to the national budget. Employees would need to be at least 21 years old and have at least one year of prior service in Ukraine’s armed forces, National Guard, or other military formations. Both Ukrainian citizens and foreigners would be eligible.
The Defense Ministry expressed support in principle in July 2024 but raised significant concerns, stating that the draft conflicted with the Ukrainian Constitution as well as international agreements, including the Additional Protocols to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the Montreux Document on private military and security companies, writes SOFX.
Economic and Veterans’ Angle
Zelenskyy positioned the legalization squarely as a postwar strategy. With Ukraine maintaining an estimated 880,000 to 1 million troops—roughly 6% of the national workforce—reintegrating service members into a war-damaged civilian economy poses one of modern Europe’s largest demobilization challenges.
Supporters argue that regulated PMCs would provide veterans with legitimate outlets for their combat skills while generating tax revenue currently lost to offshore operations. Despite the legal ban, Ukrainian fighters have long been recruited by foreign companies that train personnel in Ukraine but register elsewhere, such as in Bulgaria, depriving Kyiv of tax income.
Legalization would also allow Ukraine to compete more effectively in the global private security market, currently dominated by Russian-linked entities including remnants of the Wagner Group. Proponents contend that Ukrainian fighters’ proven battlefield experience would give domestic PMCs a competitive edge.
Shadow Operations and Past Incidents
The current prohibition has not eliminated the industry but has driven it underground. In March 2021, Ukraine’s Security Service raided a training camp operated by DBC Corp., a contractor linked to former members of the Donbas Battalion. Authorities seized military-grade weapons, and investigators reportedly suspected ties to oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, who denied any involvement.
Zelenskyy’s May 6 address also touched on separate legislation to regulate civilian firearm ownership for the first time. It remains unclear whether the new PMC bill will amend the existing Draft Law No. 11214 or represent an entirely new proposal developed by the working group. Zelenskyy has called for the legislation to be adopted this year.
2 comments
Ukraine is out of troops so it makes sense, this also allows fighter groups from NATO countries to legally join the fight.
Ukraine cannot hold Russia off on the front and have all but given up and resorted to being ‘terrorists’ and attack Russian infrastructure. Kostyantynivka is nearly encircled and ready to fall…..a major Ukrainian stronghold.
Ha !
Companies like the Azof batallion ?
The ones that shelled farmers in the Donbas ?