The first battalion of veterans of the Armed Forces of Ukraine joins the Russian Army

According to Ria Novosti, the volunteer battalion named after Bohdan Khmelnitsky, formed from former soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has joined the Russian “Cascade” tactical combat formation.

“We have now joined the combat tactical unit “Cascade”. We will directly carry out our next duty here. We have taken an oath, after completing our training,” said Commander Andrei Tishchenko, adding that after taking the oath, the soldiers will go to the front line.

According to Tishchenko, the soldiers of the battalion appeared at the training center about 3 weeks ago. According to the commander, everyone has a fighting spirit, determination, a desire to learn, explore everything, and try to prove their abilities on the front.

“We were given weapons and uniforms as soon as we arrived. Everyone received their own gun, which was fully serviced. Then there were training sessions on the school grounds, where everyone practiced with their weapon,” said Commander Tishchenko.

In February this year, Tishchenko told Ria Novosti about the beginning of the formation of the Bogdan Khmelnitsky battalion from former servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine – who voluntarily laid down their arms and then expressed a desire to serve in the Russian army.

The battalion's selection criteria are moral and physical. In addition, former Ukrainian soldiers are checked for any military or criminal offenses.

Commander Tishchenko said that the contract with these volunteers will be signed according to the general terms of the Russian army.