Over 1,700 mercenaries from Africa fighting within Russian forces
Over 1,700 mercenaries from 36 African countries are reportedly fighting alongside Russian forces in the Ukraine conflict, according to Ukrainian officials.
South African president thanks Putin after 17 men ‘lured’ to Russian frontlines begin returning home
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to Vladimir Putin for assisting in the return of 17 South African men allegedly recruited for combat in Ukraine.
“No Visas for Russian Soldiers, Italy Most Exposed”: Alarm from the Estonian Foreign Minister
The Estonian Foreign Minister has raised concerns about Russian soldiers entering Europe, suggesting Italy is particularly vulnerable to possible infiltrations and hybrid attacks from mercenaries.
Ukraine War - Russia, today's news. EU: 'All countries must honor the political agreement on the loan to Kiev'. Zelensky: 'Russian mercenaries aimed to kill high-profile figures'
The EU has reached a unanimous political agreement to provide €90 billion in support to Ukraine's military and budget needs over the next two years, amidst concerns of Russian mercenary activities targeting high-profile Ukrainians.
Four South Africans fighting with Russia return home
Four South African men who fought for Russian forces in Ukraine returned to South Africa amidst ongoing efforts by the government to secure the safe return of citizens caught in the conflict.
Putin's New Strategy: Here is Where the New Russian Mercenaries Come From
Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, Russia has increased its recruitment of foreign fighters from Southeast Asia, utilizing complex networks that involve social media and job placement agencies.
Over 20,000 foreign mercenaries have fought for Kiev – Russian diplomat
Russian diplomat claims that over 20,000 foreign mercenaries have participated in the conflict for Ukraine, a number he asserts could be higher.
Anger and grief over Kenyans used as 'cannon fodder' by Russia in Ukraine war
The article discusses the outrage and sorrow in Kenya over reports of its citizens being sent to fight in Ukraine by Russian forces.
Mali: more than 550 people killed among the civilian population in 2025, according to a report
A report from a human rights collective highlights the rising violence in Mali, with over 550 civilians killed in 2025, primarily attributed to the Malian army and Russian mercenaries.
The Russian economy is under increasing pressure, the mercenary model no longer works
Finnish experts assess that Russia's economic growth may halt this year as the previously effective recruitment model for soldiers, based on generous pay, is now becoming exhausted.
Russia recruited South African mercenaries in video game: one already killed in Luhansk Oblast
Russian efforts to recruit South African mercenaries for the war in Ukraine have been facilitated through the video game Arma 3 and communication on Discord, with one mercenary reported killed in Luhansk Oblast.