Passing the VLK for foreign volunteers / Photo Getty Images
On May 27, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a draft law that regulates the procedure for passing a military medical commission for foreigners serving or planning to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The document establishes clear rules for medical examination and expertise for foreign volunteers.
This is stated in the statement of the Verkhovna Rada.
How and where can a foreigner pass the VLK?
It is noted that according to the document, medical examination and expertise of foreign volunteers will be carried out for:
- determining suitability for military service,
- establishing a causal connection between illnesses, wounds, contusions and injuries and the performance of military duties,
- determining the need and specific conditions for providing medical and social rehabilitation and assistance.
The examination will be conducted by a military medical commission, which will be formed at the territorial recruitment and social support centers, as well as in medical institutions of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Security Service of Ukraine, and other structures of the security and defense sector.
In addition, state and municipal civil healthcare institutions will be involved in this process.
It should be noted that the current legislation does not contain clear norms regarding the passage of VLK by foreigners. This creates difficulties with confirming injuries, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Who must undergo a VLK?
During martial law, all military conscripts must undergo a medical examination. This includes those who have received a summons or referral from the CCC.
At the same time, citizens who previously had the status of “limitedly fit” or “unfit in peacetime, limitedly fit in wartime” must undergo the VLK, provided that they did not undergo a re-examination after the changes in 2024.
Servicemen must also undergo a military medical examination to check their health after injuries.
The legislation also obliges women to undergo the VLK – this applies to those with medical or pharmaceutical education who received their diploma after 2025. Such women are required to undergo the VLK within 60 days of being registered for military service. They also need to update their data and issue military registration documents.