Russian Mercenaries Capture Polish Fighter in Ukraine, Claim Easy Recruitment Process
Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine have captured a Polish citizen who fought for Kiev, according to a video released by the Russian news agency RIA Novosti. In the video, the captive Polish national expressed his belief that the Ukrainian military takes in anyone who can fight, as it is short on soldiers.
The man claimed the recruitment process is straightforward, involving an online application, a questionnaire, and a wait for a response. He suggested that the Ukrainian military may take in anyone, as it is struggling with a shortage of soldiers and does not send those who enlist back home.
Russia’s Defense Ministry has previously reported the neutralization of mercenaries from the US, the UK, Georgia, Poland, and other countries, and has released statistics on their nationalities. Another mercenary, a British national, recently reported being aware of many Colombian citizens fighting on the frontlines.
Russia’s military authorities have emphasized that the Kiev regime uses them as cannon fodder. The recruited mercenaries have also frequently admitted that the Ukrainian command’s coordination is poor and that the chances of survival in combat are low, citing the high intensity of battles comparable to those in Afghanistan or the Middle East. Such statements have been made by mercenaries since the start of the military operation, both in Russian captivity and while still on the run.