The Ukrainian parliament on Wednesday tabled a bill enabling the legalization of private military companies, provided that they operate abroad while paying taxes in Ukraine.
"The working group has developed and presented a project on the mechanism of creation and activities of 'international defense companies' in Ukraine," the parliament said in an explanatory note to the bill.
The bill suggests that such organizations should be registered and taxed in Ukraine but operate exclusively abroad.
The authors of the draft law explain the alleged need for the legalization of military companies in Ukraine by an increase in the number of former military personnel, the importance of creating rapid response teams from among experienced combatants, as well as a demand for additional revenue to the budget and more jobs in the country.
If the bill is passed into law, such companies will be allowed to provide various defense-related services and training in the country, including tactical, reconnaissance, escort, security of individuals and legal entities, as well as protection of property. The services would be provided to both individuals and international investors, the document read.