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Recent reports have highlighted the diverse composition of Russian forces, illustrating the global recruitment strategy for mercenaries to bolster military operations against Ukraine. In Uzbekistan, two Russian mercenaries have been convicted, signaling international legal actions against such fighters. Across various regions, the presence of combatants from China, Africa, Belarus, and other nations points to Russia's extensive network of operators. A video from the 102nd Regiment shows a pre-assault lineup for Toretsk involving troops from multiple nationalities, emphasizing Russia's use of foreign manpower. Ukrainian forces have captured Togolese and other foreign nationals lured to fight under false pretenses, revealing recruitment practices. As conflicts persist, understanding the role of these mercenaries is crucial, especially as geopolitical tensions rise in 2025.

What countries are involved in supplying mercenaries to Russia?

Russia has recruited mercenaries from several countries, including Belarus, China, Togo, and various African nations. These countries contribute to the composition of Russian military units active in Ukraine and other conflict zones. Each mercenary group is often drawn from diverse backgrounds, creating a complex international roster of combatants.

How are foreign mercenaries being treated within Russian military ranks?

Reports suggest that foreign mercenaries may face challenging conditions within Russian military ranks, often being used as frontline troops. Videos and firsthand accounts indicate they are sometimes mistreated, with limited resources and support compared to regular Russian soldiers. This treatment reflects broader issues of exploitation and neglect.

How are international authorities responding to the recruitment of mercenaries by Russia?

International authorities have been increasingly vocal against Russia's recruitment of mercenaries. Legal actions, as seen in Uzbekistan, are being taken against individuals and networks involved in such practices. Diplomatic efforts are also underway to address and curb the recruitment and deployment of foreign mercenaries in international conflicts.

What is the significance of the involvement of non-Russian combatants in Ukraine?

The involvement of non-Russian combatants highlights Russia's strategy of using external resources to sustain its military operations. This approach not only enhances Russia's military capacity but also complicates the geopolitical landscape, as it draws in multiple nations into the conflict, affecting diplomatic relations and global security dynamics.

Are there any efforts to repatriate foreign mercenaries captured in Ukraine?

Efforts to repatriate captured foreign mercenaries in Ukraine are ongoing, with Ukrainian authorities in contact with the respective countries through diplomatic channels. These measures aim to address the legal and humanitarian aspects of these individuals' involvement in the conflict, ensuring proper judicial processes and potential reintegration.

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News Russian mercenaries

Mercenaries from China are fighting for Russia, Beijing responded to Zelenskyy Beijing responded to Zelenskyy’s statement about Chinese mercenaries in Vovchansk direction Beijing responded to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's statement about Chinese mercenaries fighting on the side of Russia in the Kharkiv region. 9 791 56 Previously in trend: Chinese mercenaries in Russian army

Russian mercenaries Two Russian mercenaries who fought against Ukraine sentenced in Uzbekistan Two men in Uzbekistan were convicted for fighting against Ukraine on Russia’s side. 1 389 9 Previously in trend: foreign mercenaries in russian army

African mercenaries of the Russian army Chinese, Kenyans, Iranians, Egyptians, Ghanaians: unit of Russia’s 102nd Regiment lines up ahead of Toretsk assault – "Orthodox? F#ck, life’s beaten crap out of you!. VIDEO A video has surfaced online showing a formation of Russian troops from the 102nd Regiment preparing for an assault on Toretsk. 19 692 88 Previously in trend: foreign mercenaries in russian army

elimination of African mercenary of Putin’s army Drone catches up with African mercenary of Russian army in field. VIDEO A Ukrainian drone operator eliminated an African mercenary of the Russian army in the Kupyansk sector. 7 568 21 Previously in trend: African mercenaries of Russian army

Togolese citizens captured by the Ukrainian Armed Forces: they were recruited by Russia Ukrainian forces capture Togolese citizens fighting for Russia – Togo’s Foreign Ministry says they were lured under false pretenses Ukrainian servicemembers have taken prisoner citizens of Togo, a West African country, who had been fighting on the side of the Russian army. Among them are young students allegedly lured by Moscow under false pretenses. 4 946 25 Previously in trend: foreign mercenaries in russian army Captured Russian mercenaries

RF,army,mercenaries Russian mercenary who fought against Ukraine has been convicted in Latvia A man in Latvia has been sentenced to imprisonment for participating in combat operations in Ukraine on the side of Russian forces. 1 246 2

Belarusians are fighting against Ukraine on the side of Russia At least 742 citizens of Belarus are fighting on side of Russia against Ukraine - media At the beginning of 2025, the Russian occupation army had at least 742 mercenaries with passports of the Republic of Belarus who fought against the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 1 120 13 Previously in trend: foreign mercenaries in russian army

Prisoners of war from China MFA is communicating with China through diplomatic channels on captured Chinese citizens, - spokesman Tykhyi The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is maintaining contacts with China through diplomatic channels regarding Chinese citizens taken prisoner by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Donetsk region. 422 3 Previously in trend: Captured Chinese nationals Chinese mercenaries in Russian army

Chinese prisoners tell how they ended up in the war in Ukraine on the side of Russia Chinese captured by Ukrainian Armed Forces tell how they got into war against Ukraine Two Chinese citizens, Zhang Renbo and Wang Guangjun, who fought on the side of the Russian army and were captured by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, spoke about how Russia recruits foreigners and how they ended up at the front in Ukraine. 3 890 29 Previously in trend: Captured Chinese nationals Participation of Chinese nationals in the war against Ukraine

Chinese prisoner of war At least several hundred Chinese nationals are fighting against Ukraine on side of Russia - Zelenskyy President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that at least several hundred Chinese nationals are fighting against Ukraine as part of the Russian occupation forces. Dictator Vladimir Putin apparently finds North Korean soldiers insufficient. 1 758 24 Previously in trend: Participation of Chinese nationals in the war against Ukraine Chinese mercenaries in Russian army

Joint training exercises between Belarus and China Video of Russians recruiting Chinese to fight in Ukraine is published on Chinese social media - Guardian Chinese social media, which are subject to strict and rapid censorship, allow Russians to use them for their own purposes. In particular, to publish videos that campaign for participation in Russia's war with Ukraine. 7 341 41 Previously in trend: Participation of Chinese nationals in the war against Ukraine Chinese mercenaries in Russian army

Captured Chinese soldier tells how he surrendered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces Times reported that one of Chinese fighting for Russia voluntarily surrendered to Ukrainian forces A Chinese soldier who signed a contract with the Russian army came to the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Donetsk region at night and surrendered himself. 4 946 10 Previously in trend: Captured Chinese nationals Participation of Chinese nationals in the war against Ukraine

Fighting between Ukrainian Armed Forces and North Korean troops in Kursk. Details WSJ told about first battles of AFU with North Koreans Soldiers of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment and soldiers of the 8th Separate Special Forces Regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine took on the first battles with North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation. 4 548 3 Previously in trend: DPRK soldiers in the Kursk region

The Chinese were captured by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Zelenskyy’s statement DPRK military fought against us in Kursk region, while Chinese fought against us in Ukraine - Zelenskyy China is another country, after Iran and North Korea, that militarily supports Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 6 227 33 Previously in trend: Captured Chinese nationals

Belarusian mercenaries of Russian army Ukrainian soldiers capture three Belarusian mercenaries of the Russian army. VIDEO Ukrainian soldiers captured three Belarusians who fought for the Russians. 12 091 31 Previously in trend: Unification of Russia and Belarus

wounded negro from Russian army in Kursk region African mercenary of Russian army, tied up and abandoned by his accomplices during retreat, freezing in snowy field in Kursk region. VIDEO A video showing the last moments of the life of a wounded African mercenary of the Russian army in the Kursk region has been published online. 22 457 67 Previously in trend: War Fighting in Kursk and Sumy regions African mercenaries of Russian army

mercenary Black mercenary in Russian army was tied up and left exposed as bait for Ukrainian UAVs. VIDEO Russian troops have once again demonstrated their disregard for their own mercenaries. On the frontline, a wounded Black mercenary in the Russian army was tied up and left exposed, used as bait for Ukrainian drones. 14 673 32 Previously in trend: Destruction of the occupiers

Russian mercenary lying in cemetery Eliminated black occupier lies between graves in cemetery. VIDEO A video was published online showing the body of a black Russian mercenary killed in the Pokrovsk area. 12 338 36 Previously in trend: War

An African mercenary of the Russian army was killed in Kursk region First mercenary from Africa, who fought on side of RF, killed in Kursk region. PHOTO A 32-year-old African mercenary, Derrick Ngamana, who fought against Ukraine on the side of the aggressor country, Russia, was killed in the Kursk region near Sudzha. He became the first citizen of the Central African Republic to be identified among the killed Russian mercenaries in the Kursk region. 10 175 30

the US border with Mexico Wagner PMC mercenary detained while trying to enter US from Mexico The U.S. Border Patrol detained former Wagner PMC mercenary Timur Praliyev while trying to illegally cross the Rio Grande River in Texas from Mexico. 5 619 36

captured Italian, mercenary of the Russian Federation Italian citizen who fought in Russian army was captured in Kharkiv region. PHOTOS Paratroopers of the 78th Separate Air Assault Regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured an Italian who fought on the side of the Russian occupiers. 13 177 55

Defence forces capture DPRK soldier for first time DPRK’s first captured soldier dies due to injuries - Yonhap The first North Korean soldier captured by the Ukrainian Defence Forces died the next day. 15 011 67 Previously in trend: War

Man who planned to join Russian army is detained in North Macedonia Man suspected of intending to join Russian army and fight against Ukraine is detained in North Macedonia Police in North Macedonia have detained a citizen suspected of intending to join the Russian army and fight in Ukraine. 1 738 3

Єменські хусити Russia has recruited hundreds of Yemeni Houthis to fight against Ukraine - Financial Times Russia has recruited hundreds of Yemenis to participate in hostilities against Ukraine. 5 778 61

Умєров Russia is building up its forces and creating new brigades. This is significant number, - Umierov The troops of the aggressor country Russia are increasing their numbers and creating new brigades. 5 011 20 Previously in trend: War

армія рф Russia granted citizenship to 3344 foreigners for participation in war against Ukraine Since the beginning of 2024, Russia has granted citizenship to 3,344 foreigners who participated in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 880 10 Previously in trend: War

бойовий піп рпц проводить ритуал над найманцем із африки ROC priest blesses African mercenary to kill Ukrainians. VIDEO A video of a Russian Orthodox Church priest performing a religious ceremony on an African mercenary of the Russian army was published online. 9 061 51 Previously in trend: War

У Херсонській області на боці РФ воюють кубинці In Kherson region, natives of Cuba are fighting on side of Russian army - Russian media The Russian authorities are sending people from other countries to fight against Ukraine. In the Kherson region, in particular, natives of Cuba, who have received Russian citizenship, are fighting on the side of the Russian invaders. 4 609 13 Previously in trend: War

рф,дрон,армія,найманець,палиця,африканець African mercenary of Russian army fights against kamikaze drone with stick. VIDEO An African mercenary of the Russian army, who was caught by a Ukrainian kamikaze drone in an open space, fought with a stick in his hand.  25 361 81 Previously in trend: War

Проти України на боці РФ воюють декілька литовців Several Lithuanian citizens are fighting on side of Russian Federation against Ukraine - Minister of Defense Kasčiūnas Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas said that "more than one" Lithuanian is fighting on the side of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. 1 676 7 Previously in trend: War

Російських найманців повертають із Буркіна-Фасо до Курської області Russian mercenaries are being withdrawn from Burkina Faso for redeployment to Kursk region - Le Monde Russian mercenaries from the "Bear" brigade, associated with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, leave Burkina Faso in Africa. They are being returned to repel the offensive of the Armed Forces in the Kursk region. 4 850 23

Окупанти почали вербувати індонезійців на війну з Україною Russia is recruiting mercenaries from Indonesia for war against Ukraine - Russian media The Armenian battalion ArBat, part of the Russian international brigade Pyatnashka, has announced the recruitment of "volunteers" from Indonesia. The mercenaries will be trained in the occupied territories of Ukraine. 2 409 4 Previously in trend: War

Литовець воює на боці РФ проти України Lithuania aware of citizen fighting against Ukraine on side of Russian Federation, - Minister of Defense Kasčiūnas Lithuania knows that its citizen Kęstutis Kvetkus is fighting on the side of Russia against Ukraine. 3 412 5 Previously in trend: War

рф,армія,японець Japanese man has joined Russian army. VIDEO A video recording of a Japanese mercenary among the Russian occupiers was published online. 17 526 50 Previously in trend: War

Африканський корпус відправляють під Вовчанськ RF sents ’African Corps’ units to capture Vovchansk - British intelligence Over the past week, during the offensive on Vovchansk in Kharkiv region, Russia has deployed units of the Russian Ministry of Defense-controlled "African Corps" along with regular Russian troops and "Storm Z" units. 10 555 29 War in Ukraine

війна Foreign mercenary of RF army tries to explain how he was wounded in Donetsk region: "Three drones, forrest". VIDEO Russia is recruiting mercenaries from African countries to fight in Ukraine. For example, a mercenary from Guinea said that he was wounded in Donetsk region and spent a day in the forest after being wounded by a Ukrainian drone. 14 550 57 Previously in trend: War

окупанти,рашисти,загарбники Russia recruits citizens from at least 21 countries for war against Ukraine - Forbes. INFOGRAPHICS Russia is actively recruiting citizens of other countries to fight against Ukraine. The list of countries from which Russia recruits mercenaries includes at least 21 countries. 8 118 18 Previously in trend: War

Міністр оборони США Остін Ллойд It’s too early to talk about effect on battlefield of aid provided to Ukraine - Pentagon Chief Austin It is too early to talk about the effect on the battlefield of the U.S. aid provided to Ukraine, and it will take time for Kyiv to get some of the capabilities it has been given. 2 237 12 Previously in trend: Aid to Ukraine War

рф,найманці Occupiers at training ground are trying to teach foreign mercenaries how to fight in trench: "Nepalese, Vietnamese, Negroes. F#ck, I’m tired of being interpreter". VIDEO A video was posted online showing foreign mercenaries training under the guidance of Russian instructors. 21 584 45 Previously in trend: War

рф,найманці Russians are bringing mercenaries from Cuba and Nigeria to TOT of Ukraine - National Resistance Center In the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine, locals have recorded the arrival of more Kremlin mercenaries. Thus, the occupiers are bringing in militants from Cuba and Nigeria. 3 572 20 Previously in trend: War

рф,гур,найманці Russia recruits mercenaries in Syria for war against Ukraine - Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. VIDEO&PHOTOS Russia is recruiting mercenaries in Syria for the war against Ukraine. Travel agencies are involved in the recruitment scheme. Syrians are issued Russian passports under an expedited procedure within 5 days. 4 358 17 Previously in trend: War

окупант,білорус Senior Lieutenant Lazarev from Belarus was killed during assault on lodgement in Krynky with Russian army. PHOTOS On the left bank of the Dnipro River, a citizen of Belarus, Denis Lazarev, who was assaulting the bridgehead in Krynky as part of the Russian army, was killed. 19 796 81 Previously in trend: War

африка,туадера Russia is forming groups of "military instructors" to be sent to Africa - DIU The aggressor state of Russia is forming groups of so-called "military instructors" to be sent to Africa. 1 428 13 World

рф,армія,найманці Russians form pseudo-volunteer battalion "Donetsk" in Krasnodar region - National Resistance Centre The occupiers hide the mobilisation under the guise of "volunteer battalions" (dobrobats) and use it to propagate the war. 2 231 4 Incidents

рф,армія,полонений,непалець Captured Nepali occupier about Russian army: "It’s not army at all - Nepalese uniform is better, they didn’t give us any military equipment". VIDEO A captured Nepalese who fought in the Russian army described the level of support for the Russian occupation units and told about the deaths of 22-25 of his countrymen in one battle. 14 460 36 Previously in trend: War

ян,славян,петровський Russian neo-Nazi militant Petrovsky arrested in Finland for war crimes in Ukraine On Monday, 18 December, the Helsinki District Court remanded one of the leaders of the Russian group Rusich, Vojislav Torden, better known as Jan Petrovsky, in custody for his war crimes in Ukraine. 6 697 20 Previously in trend: War

informnapalm Cuban mercenaries continue to join ranks of Russian Armed Forces: Hackers uncover new evidence of recruitment. PHOTOS Russia continues to recruit mercenaries from Cuba, despite the government’s statements about "closing" the channel of mercenary supply to Russia. 7 983 30 Previously in trend: War

200 mercenaries from Cuba are involved in Russian war against Ukraine, - People’s Deputy Zablotskyi. PHOTOS 200 mercenaries from Cuba are involved in Russian war against Ukraine, - People’s Deputy Zablotskyi. PHOTOS An action was held near the Cuban embassy in Kyiv against the participation of mercenaries from this country in the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine. 7 697 45 Previously in trend: War