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Russian mercenaries have become a focal point in global conflicts, serving on Moscow's side in various battlegrounds, including Ukraine. The presence of foreign fighters in the Russian army has been confirmed from diverse nationalities such as Kenyan, Chinese, and Belarusian, highlighting a broader recruitment strategy. Videos and reports showcase the active involvement of these mercenaries, with some being captured or eliminated by Ukrainian forces. The implications of such international participation are significant, influencing diplomatic relations and prompting responses from nations worldwide. Local and international media continue to expose the multifaceted nature of these mercenary operations.

How are foreigners being recruited by Russia for the Ukraine conflict?

Foreigners are often recruited under false pretenses or through propaganda efforts. Some travel to Russia as tourists or are lured under misleading promises. Videos published on platforms, sometimes under scrutiny, also promote such recruitment. The diversity of these mercenaries ranges from African, Chinese, to other nationalities, indicating a global outreach in recruitment strategies.

What role do mercenaries play in the Russian military strategy?

Mercenaries are used in front-line combat roles and special operations, supporting Russian military objectives with diverse expertise. Their involvement provides manpower flexibility and deniability in international conflicts, as seen in Ukraine. This strategy also helps Russia to leverage global contacts and influence by engaging foreign nationals in military operations.

What has been the international response to Russian mercenary activities?

The international response varies, with some countries, like Ukraine, actively capturing and repatriating mercenaries. Others have condemned the recruitment of their citizens as mercenaries. Diplomatic channels are often opened to address underlying recruitment issues with home countries, as observed with China and Kenya, emphasizing the need for international collaboration to manage such developments.

Are mercenaries from Russia only found in Ukraine?

No, Russian mercenaries are involved globally in various conflict zones, including Africa and the Middle East. Reports have surfaced of their presence in military actions across different regions, suggesting a widespread operational network under Russian direction, which often involves proxy battles and strategic military influences in foreign territories.

Why do individuals from other nations join Russian forces as mercenaries?

Individuals join for various reasons, including financial motivations, ideological alignment, or coercion. Some are promised better livelihoods or misled about the nature of the conflict. Others may seek military adventure or fall victim to state propaganda that glorifies their participation in foreign wars, despite the personal risks involved.

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News Russian mercenaries

Terrorists fire with anti-tank missile at motor vehicle: one Ukrainian soldier killed, four wounded, - Ministry of Defense Terrorists fire with anti-tank missile at motor vehicle: one Ukrainian soldier killed, four wounded, - Ministry of Defense One Ukrainian soldier was killed, four wounded in an attack by Russia contractors on Friday. 9 365 29 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

No fatalities in Ukrainian army over past day, one soldier wounded amid five attacks by Russian mercenaries, - JFO center No fatalities in Ukrainian army over past day, one soldier wounded amid five attacks by Russian mercenaries, - JFO center Over the past 24-hour period, combined Russian-separatist forces committed five attacks on the Ukrainian troops in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) zone using banned heavy mortars in some of them. 1 993 13 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

No casualties in Ukrainian army over past day as Russian mercenaries mounted seven attacks in Donbas No casualties in Ukrainian army over past day as Russian mercenaries mounted seven attacks in Donbas Combined Russian-separatist forces continued staging armed provocations against the government troops in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) zone over the past 24-hour period occasionally using heavy weapons banned by the cease-fire deal. 3 495 31 Incidents

Seven Russian terrorists’ accomplices detained at Donbas checkpoints just in one day, - JFO center Seven Russian terrorists’ accomplices detained at Donbas checkpoints just in one day, - JFO center On Nov. 20, Ukraine’s law enforces detained at checkpoints along the demarcation line in the Donbas seven persons engaged in activities of the illegal armed formations. 5 952 49 Incidents

SBU releases personal details of 11 Russian Wagner PMC mercenaries who fought in Donbas separatists’ ranks. PHOTOS SBU releases personal details of 11 Russian Wagner PMC mercenaries who fought in Donbas separatists’ ranks. PHOTOS Ukraine’s SBU Security Service disclosed particulars of mercenaries of Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner who fought in the Donbas on the Russia-backed separatists’ side. 10 297 31 Previously in trend: War in Syria Russian aggression against Ukraine

Situation in Donbas on Sept. 7 deteriorates: one Ukrainian soldier killed, two injured as Russian mercenaries mounted 32 attacks Situation in Donbas on Sept. 7 deteriorates: one Ukrainian soldier killed, two injured as Russian mercenaries mounted 32 attacks Combined Russian-separatist forces committed 32 attacks on Ukrainian army strongholds in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) zone over the past 24-hour period occasionally using weapons banned by the Minsk accords. 6 396 45 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Escalation in Donbas: one Ukrainian soldier killed, two wounded on Thursday amid 45 attacks, - JFO center Escalation in Donbas: one Ukrainian soldier killed, two wounded on Thursday amid 45 attacks, - JFO center Ukrainian army suffered losses over the past 24-hour period as Russian mercenaries committed deliberate attacks on their strongholds occasionally using banned heavy weapons. 2 152 20 Incidents

No battle casualties in Ukrainian army over past day amid 36 attacks by Russian proxies No battle casualties in Ukrainian army over past day amid 36 attacks by Russian proxies Combined Russian-separatist forces continued inviting retaliation of the Ukrainian troops in the Joint forces operation (JFO) zone over the past 24 hours occasionally using banned 82-mm mortars. 1 691 20 Incidents

Ukrainian army reports three soldiers wounded in past day as Russian mercenaries mounted 30 attacks in Donbas Ukrainian army reports three soldiers wounded in past day as Russian mercenaries mounted 30 attacks in Donbas Over the past day, combined Russian-separatist forces continued assaulting Ukrainian troops including with heavy weapons banned by the Minsk agreements. 2 109 14 Incidents

Russian mercenaries acknowledge they themselves bombarded Luhansk in 2014 to put blame on Ukrainian troops Russian mercenaries acknowledge they themselves bombarded Luhansk in 2014 to put blame on Ukrainian troops In order to discredit the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Russian-backed separatists committed artillery strikes on Luhansk they themselves occupied. 31 225 126 Incidents

No one killed, one Ukrainian soldier wounded on Sunday amid 40 attacks by Russian mercenaries, - JFO center No one killed, one Ukrainian soldier wounded on Sunday amid 40 attacks by Russian mercenaries, - JFO center Combined Russian-separatist forces continued inviting retaliation of the Ukrainian army in the Donbas over the past 24-hour period occasionally using heavy weapons banned by the Minsk accords. 1 816 18 Incidents

Marines eliminate Russian mercenary near Mariupol, - journalist. PHOTO (WARNING! Viewer discretion strongly advised) Marines eliminate Russian mercenary near Mariupol, - journalist. PHOTO (WARNING! Viewer discretion strongly advised) Supposed scout of the 9th motorized rifle regiment of the 1st Army Corps of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation was eliminated while trying to penetrate the stronghold of the 503rd Marine Corps battalion of Ukrainian Armed Forces not far from Mariupol. 64 197 244 Incidents

One Ukrainian soldier killed as Russian mercenaries mount attack on Hnutove, Zolote today, - Defense Ministry One Ukrainian soldier killed as Russian mercenaries mount attack on Hnutove, Zolote today, - Defense Ministry A Ukrainian serviceman, born in 1978, was killed as a result of the deliberate attack on the Joint forces operation (JFO) strongholds in the Donbas committed by the Russian mercenaries today, July 17. 1 446 0 Incidents

No fatalities in Ukrainian army, four soldiers wounded as Russian mercenaries committed 19 attacks in past day, - JFO center No fatalities in Ukrainian army, four soldiers wounded as Russian mercenaries committed 19 attacks in past day, - JFO center Combined Russian-separatist forces continue violating truce in the Joint forces operation (JFO) zone by attacking Ukrainian troops’ including with heavy weapons banned by the Minsk accords. 7 059 27 Incidents

Two Ukrainian soldiers killed, six injured in past day as Russian proxies intensified attacks with banned heavy weapons, - JFO center Two Ukrainian soldiers killed, six injured in past day as Russian proxies intensified attacks with banned heavy weapons, - JFO center The situation in the Joint forces operation (JFO) zone deteriorated over the past 24-hour period as combined Russian-separatist troops stepped up mortar and artillery strikes along the entire length of the contact line. 19 053 54 Incidents

No fatalities, four Ukrainian soldiers wounded on June 13 as Russian mercenaries used heavy weapons 11 times, - JFO center No fatalities, four Ukrainian soldiers wounded on June 13 as Russian mercenaries used heavy weapons 11 times, - JFO center The situation in the Joint forces operation (JFO) remained tense over the past 24 hours as heavy clashes took place along the entire length of the contact line with Russian mercenaries actively using banned heavy weaponry. 7 244 20 Incidents

No fatalities in Ukrainian army on May 31, three soldiers injured as Russian mercenaries committed attacks all along front-line using banned heavy weapons, - JFO center No fatalities in Ukrainian army on May 31, three soldiers injured as Russian mercenaries committed attacks all along front-line using banned heavy weapons, - JFO center The situation in the Joint forces operation (JFO) zone remains tense as combat operations take place along the whole length of the contact line. 19 871 51 Incidents

About 100 Wagner PMC mercenaries to arrive in Russian-occupied Donbas soon, - SBU About 100 Wagner PMC mercenaries to arrive in Russian-occupied Donbas soon, - SBU Intelligence sources of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) indicate that about a hundred Russian mercenaries - the members of Wagner private military company - are expected to arrive in the Donbas in the nearest future. 26 277 86 Incidents

Border Guard Service reports no casualties as Russian mercenaries attacked Maiorske checkpoint last night Border Guard Service reports no casualties as Russian mercenaries attacked Maiorske checkpoint last night On the night of May 10, the Russian terrorists fired upon the Maiorske checkpoint on the demarcation line between the government-controlled territory of the Donbas and its part occupied by combined Russian-separatist forces. 5 338 13 Incidents

Aftermath of Troitske artillery attack by Russia Aftermath of Troitske artillery attack by Russia's hybrid forces. PHOTOS Russian occupation troops fired some 15 152-mm shells on civilian homes in Troitske village. 11 531 25 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

22 attacks yesterday: three Ukrainian soldiers injured, - JFO HQ 22 attacks yesterday: three Ukrainian soldiers injured, - JFO HQ The fighting on May 2 took place mainly around Avdiivka and Mariupol in the Donetsk region. 9 470 26 Incidents

Orthodox Jihad: InformNapalm volunteer announces new investigation into Wagner PMC mercs. PHOTOS Orthodox Jihad: InformNapalm volunteer announces new investigation into Wagner PMC mercs. PHOTOS Volunteer of the international OSINT project InformNapalm, Roman Burko, is writing a new article about mercenaries of the Russian state-sponsored private military company Wagner who previously took part in battles in Ukraine’s Donbas region and now engaged in combat operations in Syria. 6 936 4 Previously in trend: War in Syria

OSCE: Number of attacks with banned heavy weapons in eastern Ukraine rose nine-fold last week OSCE: Number of attacks with banned heavy weapons in eastern Ukraine rose nine-fold last week The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) observed a 10 percent increase in the number of ceasefire violations over last week while the number of attacks with heavy weapons banned by the Minsk agreements grew almost nine-fold. 3 406 6 Incidents

Russian proxies started the day with attacks on defenders of Vodiane, Marinka, Avdiivka, - ATO HQ Russian proxies started the day with attacks on defenders of Vodiane, Marinka, Avdiivka, - ATO HQ The Russian mercenaries have already committed four attacks on positions of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) forces along the contact line since the beginning of the day. 4 899 7 Incidents

More than 1,300 servicemen, 44 types of military hardware: InformNapalm releases database mapping Russian aggression More than 1,300 servicemen, 44 types of military hardware: InformNapalm releases database mapping Russian aggression InformNapalm volunteer intelligence community presented its interactive database mapping Russian aggression against Ukraine, Georgia, and Syria. 3 547 2 Previously in trend: Evidence of Russian aggression in Ukraine

InformNapalm unveils mastermind of Wagner PMC InformNapalm unveils mastermind of Wagner PMC's botched operation near Syrian Deir ez-Zor. PHOTOS Sergei Kim, Chief of Operations of the Russian Wagner private military company (PMC) was the one who planned the failed operation near Deir ez-Zor and coordinated it with the Russian command in Syria. 30 641 124 Previously in trend: Wagner PMC debacle in Syria

Two Russian mercenaries blown up on militants’ mine field near Svitlodarsk salient, - ATO HQ Two Russian mercenaries blown up on militants’ mine field near Svitlodarsk salient, - ATO HQ On Feb. 18, two members of the so-called 7th separate motorized rifle brigade of the combined Russian and terrorist forces triggered landmines while walking through a mine field the Russian-backed militants themselves deployed near the forward positions of the Ukrainian troops along the Svitlodarsk salient. 26 331 93 Incidents

Russian terrorists’ accomplice Polynkov says at least 300 Wagner mercenaries killed in Syria. VIDEO Russian terrorists’ accomplice Polynkov says at least 300 Wagner mercenaries killed in Syria. VIDEO Mikhail Polynkov, call sign Khrustalik, who has ties with members of private military company Wagner said that at least 300 Russian mercenaries were eliminated in the U.S. strike on in Syria on the night of Feb. 8, 2018. 44 293 236 Previously in trend: War in Syria Wagner PMC debacle in Syria

US airstrike in Syria kills retired Russia’s GRU member previously fighting against Ukrainian forces in Donbas, - Russian propagandist. PHOTO US airstrike in Syria kills retired Russia’s GRU member previously fighting against Ukrainian forces in Donbas, - Russian propagandist. PHOTO Russian terrorist Zakhar Prilepin openly admits that the Russian “volunteers” receive salary for fighting against the Ukrainian government forces in the Donbas but many hired guns left for Syria when they were offered larger "fees" there. 53 054 250 Previously in trend: War in Syria Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

“LPR” militant gets almost 4.5 years in prison for fighting against Ukrainian troops, - SBU. PHOTOS “LPR” militant gets almost 4.5 years in prison for fighting against Ukrainian troops, - SBU. PHOTOS A member of the terrorist organization “Luhansk People’s Republic” also known as “LPR” was sentenced to four years and five months in prison under criminal case investigated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). 24 824 91 Incidents

Shyrokyne defenders dwell on injured Russian saboteur’s capture, show operational footage. VIDEO Shyrokyne defenders dwell on injured Russian saboteur’s capture, show operational footage. VIDEO The Ukrainian servicemen told details of repelling the attack of the enemy subversive group in the vicinity of Shyrokyne on Jan. 19. They also showed the footage of the injured Russian saboteur’s capture. 50 189 93 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ukrainian doctors spent seven hours saving life of captured Russian saboteur. VIDEO Ukrainian doctors spent seven hours saving life of captured Russian saboteur. VIDEO Ukrainian military doctors had the captured Russian mercenary in surgery for seven hours. The member of the subversive group was severely injured in the vicinity of Shyrokyne village, the Donetsk region, on Jan. 19. 71 778 379 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Terrorist Girkin: 210 Russian mercenaries killed, thrice as much injured in action in Syria last year Terrorist Girkin: 210 Russian mercenaries killed, thrice as much injured in action in Syria last year Russian private military company (PMC) Vagner lost about 210 its mercenaries in Syria in 2017 while over 600 were injured. 45 730 173 Previously in trend: War in Syria

OSCE recorded 56 militant OSCE recorded 56 militant's tanks, 26 howitzers, eight heavy mortars outside designated storage sites in occupied Donbas The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine continue monitoring the withdrawal of weapons in the conflict zone in Ukraine's east in implementation of the cease-fire deal. 9 091 68 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

No Ukrainian soldier killed or injured in past day, militants used 120-mm mortars near Pavlopil, - ATO HQ No Ukrainian soldier killed or injured in past day, militants used 120-mm mortars near Pavlopil, - ATO HQ The combined Russian and terrorist troops insidiously attacked the Ukrainian servicemen with weapons banned by the Minsk cease-fire deal late yesterday despite mutual agreement to maintain truce on Christmas and New Year holidays. 2 661 8 Incidents

Kremlin seeks to demonstrate that Russian military observers’ withdrawal from Donbas leads to uncontrolled escalation, - journalist The situation in the occupied Donbas has significantly deteriorated lately which is featured by the Russian mercenaries increasingly using 120-mm mortars, 122-mm howitzers and 122-mm multiple launch rocket systems. 7 312 60 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ukrainian scouts say Serbian mercenary snipers join Donbas militants, lawmakers vow to inform NATO PA Ukrainian scouts say Serbian mercenary snipers join Donbas militants, lawmakers vow to inform NATO PA Ukraine is set to inform the NATO Parliamentary Assembly on a group of Serbian mercenary snipers who have arrived in the Donbas to join the ranks of the combined Russian and terrorist forces. 24 073 105 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Massive artillery strike leaves war-torn Avdiivka without power, - Governor Zhebrivskyi. PHOTOS Massive artillery strike leaves war-torn Avdiivka without power, - Governor Zhebrivskyi. PHOTOS The pro-Russian militants launched massive artillery strike against front-line village of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region on Monday afternoon which damaged the power transmission line. 2 335 6 Previously in trend: Avdiivka fighting

военные военнослужащие ато воины воин муравский Krymske village defenders repulsed fierce 8-hour long attack of Russian proxies yesterday, both sides suffered losses, - ATO HQ The situation in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone remains tense, but controlled by the Ukrainian army. 100 709 179 Incidents

плотницкий ‘LPR’ terrorists’ leader Plotnitsky left for Russia, - media Unidentified armed persons still hold the central area of occupied Luhansk. 106 069 205 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

военные военнослужащие ато воины воин муравский No fatalities over past day, two Ukrainian soldiers injured, one traumatized in 12 attacks, - ATO HQ The Russian-occupation forces continued breaching truce by committing attacks on positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces using weapons banned by the Minsk agreements. 8 031 15 Incidents

луганск Showdown between ‘LPR’ chieftains: armed persons capture fake republic’s ‘prosecutor general's office,’ arrest personnel, - journalist. PHOTOS+VIDEO The internal squabbles between the leaders of terrorists of the self-styled ‘Luhansk People’s Republic’ Igor Plotnitsky and Igor Kornet in the occupied Luhansk are gaining momentum. 210 031 257 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

военнослужащие ато широкино военне No battle casualties in Ukrainian Army over past day despite upsurge in artillery, mortar strikes, - ATO HQ The situation in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone somewhat deteriorated as the Russian -occupation forces shelled the Ukrainian soldiers’ positions with 152-mm artillery, 120-mm and 82-mm mortars in violation of the Minsk cease-fire deal. 8 080 8 Incidents

штаб ато No fatalities in Ukrainian Army today, one soldier injured in six assaults, - ATO HQ The Russian-backed militants attacked positions of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) forces six times today. 1 728 6 Ukrainian Politics

смерть наемник Russian mercenary Abumislimov eliminated in Syria after serving in ranks of Donbas terrorists, - blogger. PHOTOS Former member of combined Russian and terrorist forces fighting in the occupied Donbas Muslim Abumislimov nicknamed Musa was killed in Syria. 41 440 62 Photo News

наемник Russian mercenary Roman Kintsurashvili eliminated in occupied Donbas. PHOTOS Another mercenary, Roman Kintsurashvili, sent by the Russian Federation to take part in the armed conflict in Ukraine’s east lost his life in the occupied Donbas. 107 186 159 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

мачете свиридов Donbas mercenary Yury Sviridov, call sign Machete, killed pregnant woman on occupied territory Commander of the 3rd brigade of the 1st corps of the Russian army in the Donbas Yury Sviridov, call sign Machete, killed a pregnant woman in occupied Donbas. 121 339 155 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

граница пограничники госпогранслужба пограничник Terrorist sniper wounded Ukrainian border guard at Marinka checkpoint, - State Border Service Russian mercenary sniper wounded a Ukrainian border on duty at the demarcation line. 12 005 16 Incidents