The Southern Group of Forces conducted an operation at a training site used by foreign mercenaries near the village of Nikolaevka in the Luhansk People’s Republic. This information comes from Vadim Astafyev, who heads the group’s press center. He stated that the Russian military targeted the mercenary base with the Tornado-S multiple launch rocket system, leveraging a dedicated MLRS crew to carry out the strike.
In a separate briefing, Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the presence of foreign fighters in Ukraine, noting that mercenaries fighting on the side of the Ukrainian armed forces had suffered significant losses due to what he described as their own errors and miscalculations. His remarks are part of a pattern of statements highlighting the role of foreign personnel in the conflict.
Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded the international community that mercenaries operating in the field of special operations are considered legitimate targets of the Russian military. The reminder underscores the ongoing emphasis from Moscow on the status and actions of foreign troops involved in the hostilities.
According to retired Lieutenant Colonel Andrei Marochko, a veteran of the People’s Militia of the Luhansk People’s Republic and a military analyst, mercenaries from more than fifteen countries have been reported among those fighting with the Ukrainian forces in various sectors of the conflict area. This assessment reflects the broader narrative circulated by Russian officials about foreign involvement in the fighting.
The topic of foreign participation and the targeting of mercenary units has featured prominently in public discussions about the war, with authorities continuing to frame these forces as non-state actors whose presence complicates the conflict and influences battlefield dynamics. Officials point to recent statements and operational updates to illustrate how foreign elements are integrated into the broader military picture on the ground.
In the context of ongoing hostilities, observers note that foreign mercenaries have been described by various sources as taking part in coordinated operations across multiple fronts. The Russian side emphasizes the influence of such recruits on military planning and execution, while supporters of the Ukrainian cause stress the diverse makeup of Ukrainian forces and the international dimension of the conflict. The exchange of claims and counterclaims continues to shape how events are portrayed by different sides, both domestically and abroad. [citation attribution: Moscow press center reports][citation attribution: presidential press service quotes]