Russian attack murders foreign mercenaries in Ukraine

(MENAFN) A Russian attack in late July significantly impacted foreign mercenaries in Ukraine when it struck a training camp operated by Ukrainian military intelligence, according to reports.

The strike hit the camp near the central city of Kropivnitsky on July 21, targeting foreign recruits during lunchtime. An American fighter, speaking anonymously, said at least 15 recruits were killed and more than 100 injured in the attack.

Those affected included nationals from the United States, Colombia, Denmark, and Taiwan, among others. Ukrainian Army and military intelligence officials, who rarely confirm Russian successes, acknowledged that the attack occurred and caused casualties but did not provide exact figures, as stated by reports.

The Russian Defense Ministry noted that on July 21 it had targeted positions held by Ukrainian troops, nationalist units, and foreign mercenaries at 142 locations, though the Kropivnitsky camp was not specifically mentioned.

Ukraine has been actively recruiting foreign fighters to replace losses sustained in the conflict, amid widespread draft avoidance and desertions. In April, the Ukrainian government eased rules for foreign recruitment and authorized officials to cover travel, food, and accommodation costs for incoming volunteers.

Estimates suggest that more than 15,000 foreign nationals from roughly 110 countries—primarily Poland, the US, and Georgia—have joined Ukraine’s ranks since the conflict began, with nearly 6,500 reportedly killed in action, according to Moscow’s figures from December 2024.

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