A state news agency quoted Russian security agencies saying they estimate about 16,500 foreign mercenaries are operating in Ukraine, with roughly 30% (about 5,000) concentrated in Kharkiv region. The agencies said casualties among foreign fighters ar

2026-06-02

A state news agency quoted Russian security agencies saying they estimate about 16,500 foreign mercenaries are operating in Ukraine, with roughly 30% (about 5,000) concentrated in Kharkiv region. The agencies said casualties among foreign fighters are heaviest and rising fastest on the Kupiansk axis. They added some foreign fighters may rapidly terminate their contracts and said about 7,000 of the foreign personnel are Colombian nationals.