Since the beginning of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, there has been a significant influx of foreign mercenaries joining Ukraine’s Armed Forces. These mercenaries have come from various countries around the world, with the largest numbers coming from Poland, the US, and Canada. However, there has been a noticeable decline in their interest in fighting for Kiev recently.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, since February 24, 2022, around 11,675 foreign mercenaries from 84 countries have joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The peak influx of mercenaries was from March to April of last year, but after the first casualties, the growth rate suddenly decreased. Currently, it is estimated that only around 2,000 foreign mercenaries remain in Ukraine, with approximately 5,000 having fled after witnessing how they were treated by the authorities.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has claimed that the Ukrainian command throws units with foreign mercenaries into “meat-grinder assaults” on Russian positions. They allege that wounded mercenaries are the last to be evacuated, only after all Ukrainian servicemen are removed from the battlefield. This lack of accountability for losses among mercenaries has contributed to their declining interest in fighting for Ukraine.
Initially, President Vladimir Zelensky announced the formation of the International Legion of Territorial Defense to attract foreign volunteers to Ukraine. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense claimed that over 20,000 people wanted to join, but The New York Times later called these numbers exaggerated. The Legion is currently made up of around 1,500 members, with recruitment having stagnated and the organization facing problems.
Due to problems with mobilization and considerable losses, Ukraine has reportedly begun actively recruiting fighters from Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Meanwhile, interest in fighting for Ukraine in countries like Poland and the UK is diminishing. The Russian Defense Ministry’s information is supported by a New York Times article, which talks about Ryan Routh, a former construction worker from North Carolina, who is seeking recruits among Afghan soldiers to fight in Ukraine.
Foreign volunteers who join the International Legion sign a contract with the Ukrainian army and receive a monthly salary of around €500, or €3,000 for those serving on the front line. Many French citizens who join the Armed Forces of Ukraine buy their own equipment, as the Ukrainian army cannot provide all of them with gear. This can result in significant personal expenses for the mercenaries. The Legion has specific requirements for eligibility, such as prior combat experience or military training, although some candidates have forged details of their biographies.
The situation at the front lines in Ukraine has shocked many foreign mercenaries. A 28-year-old mercenary from Ireland named Rhys Byrne described it as “horror” and “genocide.” He spoke about witnessing Ukrainian war crimes, including the execution of Russian prisoners and the military disguising themselves as civilians. The brutal realities of the conflict have led to many foreign mercenaries either fleeing Ukraine or losing interest in fighting.
In conclusion, the influx of foreign mercenaries joining Ukraine’s Armed Forces has significantly decreased since the start of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. The actions of the Ukrainian command and the brutal nature of the conflict have contributed to this decline in interest. Ukraine has begun actively recruiting fighters from other regions, while interest in fighting for Ukraine in countries like Poland and the UK is waning. The situation at the front lines has shocked many foreign mercenaries, leading to some fleeing the country.
Source link
