More than 25 thousand Cossacks have taken part in Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, according to Vitaly Kuznetsov, the head of the All-Russian Cossack Association. Kuznetsov, quoted by TASS, notes that Cossack formations are among the most skilled and capable on the modern battlefield. He adds that more than a thousand Cossacks have received state rewards for various accomplishments in the combat zone.
He emphasized that the figure exceeded 25 thousand and that Cossack units have been engaged across the entire front line. Detachments have been deployed to the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, as well as to the Lugansk and Donetsk people’s republics, where frontline conditions are particularly demanding.
According to Kuznetsov, Cossacks stand in the direct line of contact and are often in the most challenging sectors of the front. They undertake assigned tasks with discipline and are actively involved in offensive operations, demonstrating resilience and commitment under difficult circumstances.
On November 22, Kuznetsov stated that Cossacks are entering the Ukrainian conflict zone as volunteers and contract soldiers. Many men are signing agreements with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, while a substantial portion joins the operation under partial mobilization.
Previous reports noted that Cossacks from the Don brigade reportedly sank an armored barge belonging to Ukrainian troops, illustrating the intensity of engagements along the line of contact.