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The Russian Investigative Committee has reported that over 16,800 foreign mercenaries have joined the Ukrainian armed forces since Moscow launched its special military operation. The claim was made by Investigative Committee Chairman Alexander Bastrykin and reported by TASS.

In a separate statement, Ukraine's military ombudswoman, Olga Reshetilova, said about 16,000 foreign volunteers from at least 72 countries are currently supporting Ukraine. Her remarks were also carried by TASS.

Coverage Comparison

The reports from TASS present different figures and perspectives. Bastrykin's initial statement, published on July 23, cited over 16,800 foreign nationals who arrived in Ukraine seeking to fight on the side of the Ukrainian armed forces. A subsequent interview with Bastrykin on July 24 mentioned mercenaries from more than 70 countries, with information on over 4,000 such individuals under investigation.

Reshetilova's account, reported on August 6, puts the number of foreign volunteers at about 16,000 from 72 countries, and notes that nearly 40% of them are citizens of Latin American countries. She added that her office has received more than 300 complaints from foreign mercenaries, their family members, and authorized representatives since January 27.

The figures from Bastrykin and Reshetilova are broadly consistent in scale, though they differ in detail. The Russian official's count includes those who have died or broken their contracts, while the Ukrainian ombudswoman's figure describes current volunteers.

Key Claims

  • Over 16,800 foreign mercenaries have joined the Ukrainian armed forces since the start of Russia's special military operation, according to Alexander Bastrykin.
  • About 16,000 foreign volunteers from at least 72 countries are currently supporting Ukraine, as reported by Olga Reshetilova.
  • Nearly 40% of foreign volunteers are citizens of Latin American countries, per Reshetilova.
  • The Russian Investigative Committee has information on more than 4,000 foreign mercenaries, Bastrykin said.
  • Many mercenaries have been killed or have broken their contracts and left Ukraine, according to Bastrykin.
  • Reshetilova's office has received over 300 complaints from foreign mercenaries or their representatives since January 27.
  • Bastrykin said mercenaries are driven by a desire to earn easy money.

Perspectives

Russian Investigative Committee

The Russian Investigative Committee, through Chairman Alexander Bastrykin, emphasizes the large number of foreign fighters in Ukraine and their motivations. Bastrykin is quoted as saying they are driven by a desire to earn easy money, and he described internet videos where foreigners talk about going on a 'safari' to the conflict zone. He noted that many do not receive money, die, and leave their families without answers.

Ukrainian Military Ombudswoman

Ukraine's military ombudswoman, Olga Reshetilova, provides a different framing, calling the foreign fighters 'volunteers' and highlighting the complaints they have filed. She reported that over 300 complaints have been received since late January and that a special working group has been established to address their issues. She also indicated possible changes to the legal framework regarding mercenaries, with proposals submitted to the Ukrainian leadership.