Kyiv Halts Recruitment of Mercenaries Following Russian Forces' Strike

Ukraine has ceased the recruitment of volunteers for the Territorial Defense International Legion, reports Izvestia. According to media sources, this decision was made following the liquidation of approximately 180 foreign mercenaries by the Russian military.

Information specifically confirmed the halt of recruitment for French fighters by one of their main organizing coordinators, Hugo Pelegrini, emphasizing that this initiative originated from Kyiv.

Defense Ministry official, Major General Igor Konashenkov, reported that as a result of Russian strikes, up to 180 foreign mercenaries and a significant quantity of weapons were targeted at training centers of the Ukrainian armed forces.