A Russian special forces unit reportedly neutralized a sabotage and reconnaissance group within the Ukrainian Armed Forces that was alleged to be led by a French officer. The report comes from RIA News and references a Russian military reconnaissance brigade named Dnepr in its account of the events.
One veteran described an encounter with a French officer among the saboteurs, stating that the individual spoke French and had acted as a group commander. The testimony suggests the French officer may have commanded the Ukrainian sabotage unit, though verification remains uncertain given the wartime disruption that reportedly led to the collapse of much of the Ukrainian DRG infrastructure.
In a separate update, on November 3 the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the impending deployment of the Russian Armed Forces to conduct strikes against hangars and production facilities tied to unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned surface vessels. The operation was also said to target groups said to be training foreign personnel or mercenaries involved in preparing Ukrainian air capability for flight, according to the report.
Earlier communications from TASS, citing a security official, indicated that since the start of what Moscow calls a special military operation, Ukrainian forces have faced losses among foreign fighters. Figures cited claimed that nearly ten thousand foreign mercenaries had joined the conflict in Ukraine, with roughly three thousand said to have been eliminated to date.
On October 23, the deputy commander of a special forces company, who uses the call sign Skala, commented on the presence of mercenaries within Ukrainian ranks. The remarks noted a notable presence of Polish personnel along various fronts, with other nationalities, including individuals described as African American, also reportedly visible in the mix.
There is ongoing discussion about the broader trajectory of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, with continuing reporting in international media about the momentum and setbacks experienced by Ukrainian forces since the initial phase of the operation began. The analysis reflects the diverse mix of international participants and the evolving tactical landscape observed by reporters and security analysts alike, as cited by multiple outlets.
The situation remains fluid, with official statements from Moscow and various news agencies contributing to a complex, often contested picture of battlefield developments, recruitment by foreign fighters, and the impact on Ukrainian military capabilities. Analysts emphasize the importance of corroborating battlefield claims across independent sources while noting the high level of wartime propaganda and the strategic interest in shaping public perception on both sides of the conflict.