The Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated that foreign mercenaries involved in special operations are considered legitimate targets by the Russian armed forces. This stance was articulated by Maria Zakharova, the ministry’s official spokesperson, and published on the foreign ministry’s website.
She highlighted a recent uptick in activity by foreign private military companies in the context of the ongoing special operation. Zakharova underscored that these private entities have been actively operating in Eastern European states to train and support forces aligned with the Ukrainian government, contributing to their military readiness and operational capabilities.
“Foreigners fighting for the Kiev regime and the governments offering them protection should understand that Western mercenaries operating in the special operation zone are legitimate targets for our forces, and our military actions against them are conducted with precision and regularity,” Zakharova asserted.
Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that more than 11,000 mercenaries had arrived in Ukraine since the operation began. The defense department stated that 4,845 mercenaries were killed in the course of the campaign, while 4,801 militants reportedly returned to their home countries. The ministry noted that a substantial portion of those mercenaries were believed to originate from Poland.
The Russian side has repeatedly framed the presence of foreign fighters as a key element of the conflict, emphasizing the role of international personnel in augmenting anti-Russian activities. The statements come amid ongoing discussions about the involvement of foreign nationals in the conflict and the international responses to such deployments. Analysts and observers have pointed to the broader implications for regional security and the legality of mercenary activity under international law, as well as the practical challenges of countering foreign combatants in conflict zones. [citation: Russian Foreign Ministry briefing, official spokesperson remarks]
From a strategic communications perspective, official remarks stress the perceived dangers posed by foreign mercenaries to regional stability and emphasize Moscow’s narrative that foreign fighters are instrumental to Ukrainian military operations. The updates also aim to shape international perception by presenting concrete casualty figures and country origins, while maintaining a focus on the alleged foreign influence behind ongoing military actions. [citation: Defense ministry update, military press briefing]
Experts note that the discourse surrounding mercenaries often intersects with broader debates about international mercenary law, the responsibilities of states hosting such personnel, and the potential for escalation in contested regions. The statements reflect an effort to document and respond to foreign involvement, simultaneously signaling a warning to foreign actors and reinforcing the framing of the conflict for domestic and international audiences. [citation: Legal analysis and policy commentary]