Canadians who volunteer to fight in Ukraine’s foreign legion are disqualified from receiving veterans’ benefits and may be in breach of federal law, says the Department of Veterans Affairs. The maximum penalty is a $2,000 fine and two years in jail..“Canada’s Foreign Enlistment Act prohibits Canadians from enlisting in the military or navy of a foreign state at war with a friendly state,” said a June 6 department briefing note Situation In Ukraine. “This means that in a conflict where Canada is neutral, Canadians cannot join the armed forces of a hostile party.”.The 1937 Foreign Enlistment Act states any Canadian citizen who “agrees to accept any commission or engagement in the armed forces of any foreign state at war with any friendly foreign state” is guilty of an offence. Canada is not at war with Russia..According to Blacklock's Reporter, Ukraine established its own foreign legion called the International Legion of Territorial Defence following the February 24 Russian invasion. It welcomed volunteers who “have any combat experience,” weapons training or “a strong will to defend world peace.” The number of volunteers is unverifiable. .“Anyone who is injured or becomes ill as a result of circumstances unrelated to service with the Canadian Armed Forces is not eligible for veterans’ benefits,” said the briefing note. “This includes the current situation in Ukraine.”.“The Government of Canada has not provided services and benefits to Canadians who served in past conflicts where Canada was not a participant, i.e. the Vietnam War, Spanish Civil War and American Civil War,” wrote staff..According to the Canadian Vietnam Veterans Association, some 12,000 Canadians enlisted with U.S. forces during the Vietnam War, including 6,000 who saw combat overseas. None qualified for Canadian benefits..The briefing note further questioned whether existing Canadian veterans who went to Ukraine would lose their benefits. Staff had no exact answer..“Will the Department of Veterans Affairs remove benefits from veterans who travel to Ukraine to participate in the conflict? It is important to keep in mind the Government of Canada is advising Canadians against all travel to Ukraine including travel for humanitarian reasons as well as to take part in the conflict,” wrote staff. “Each veteran’s situation is different and will be assessed on a case by case basis to determine potential impacts.”.The veterans’ department disclosed the briefing note Friday at the same time the Canadian Armed Forces Intelligence Command claimed in a tweet that Russia “likely” cannot win in Ukraine. “Due to considerable losses of personnel and equipment, Russia likely no longer has the military capability to achieve its ambitions in Ukraine,” said the Intelligence Command..“It is now being forced to scale down its strategic objectives,” the statement continued, noting “Moscow’s failed efforts to capture Kyiv.”
