Polish Volunteer Corps

Polish Volunteer Corps
Polski Korpus Ochotniczy
Emblem of the Polish Volunteer Corps
FoundedFebruary 2023
Disbanded2 January 2025 (original form)[1]
Country Poland
Allegiance Ukraine
BranchMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine[2]
Part of International Legion of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine
Engagements
Commanders
Current
commander		Unknown
Insignia
Flag

The Polish Volunteer Corps (PDK; Polish: Polski Korpus Ochotniczy; Ukrainian: Польський добровольчий корпус, romanized: Polskyi dobrovolchyi korpus, ПДК) is a currently inactive group consisting of international volunteers from Poland fighting on the side of Ukraine during the Russian invasion of the country.[5][4][6]

The PDK fought against Russia in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[5][7] The PDK also fought in the Belgorod incursions with the Russian Volunteer Corps and Freedom of Russia Legion.[3][4]

History

The PDK was founded in February 2023.[5] The PDK fought against Russia during the Belgorod incursions.[3] The PDK posted images on Twitter that showed them fighting with the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Freedom of Russia Legion in Belgorod.[8][3] The PDK stated that no one had been killed during the fighting in Belgorod.[4] The Polish government has denied any ties with the group, and insists that any action by the volunteers is not representative of the Polish government or the Polish armed forces.[9]

On 2 January 2025, the PDK announced on its now-defunct Telegram channel that due to "significant changes" in "every aspect of the war", including "technological leaps" and " structural changes in formations and their management methods", the PDK had to "close [its] operations in their current form". Its membership continues to serve in the Ukrainian military in different capacities.[1]

Organization

The PDK is a special unit for reconnaissance and sabotage, which does not belong to the Ukrainian Foreign Legions, but is likely part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.[10]

References

  1. ^ a b "Polski Korpus Ochotniczy". Telegram. 2 January 2025. Archived from the original on 4 January 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
  2. ^ https://wiadomosci.onet.pl/tylko-w-onecie/w-ukrainie-powstaje-pierwsza-polska-jednostka-specjalna/hynzfj8
  3. ^ a b c d "Attacks in the Belgorod region: Polish fighters on Russian territory too". eXXpress. Germany. 4 June 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d "Polish mercenaries fought in the Belgorod region. "It was an honor for our branch"". Polsat News. Poland. 4 June 2023.
  5. ^ a b c Wyrwal, Marcin (16 February 2023). "The first Polish special unit is being established in Ukraine". Onet Wiadomości. Poland.
  6. ^ "Ukraine updates: Kyiv claims advances near Bakhmut – DW – 06/05/2023". Deutsche Welle. 6 May 2023.
  7. ^ "Польські та російські бійці України воюватимуть разом" [Polish and Russian fighters of Ukraine will fight together]. Militarnyi (in Ukrainian). 6 April 2023.
  8. ^ "Polish Volunteer Corps supporting Russian guerilla raids, video report". The New Voice of Ukraine. 4 June 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  9. ^ "Warsaw denies connection to Polish volunteer group's actions near Russia's Belgorod Oblast". The New Voice of Ukraine. Yahoo! News. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
  10. ^ https://wiadomosci.onet.pl/tylko-w-onecie/w-ukrainie-powstaje-pierwsza-polska-jednostka-specjalna/hynzfj8
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