Fighters from Syria, Libya, and Beyond Sent into Battle Without Heavy Equipment
Russia has reportedly deployed up to 20,000 mercenaries from Syria, Libya, and other regions in its intensified offensive in Ukraine’s Donbas area. These fighters, many recruited by the Russian mercenary group Wagner, are being used primarily as infantry forces in the battle, without the support of heavy equipment or armored vehicles.
Estimates on the number of mercenaries involved range from 10,000 to 20,000, with difficulty in distinguishing the exact breakdown between Syrians, Libyans, and others. A European official noted that while these mercenaries lack heavy military support, they are being sent in large numbers to overwhelm Ukrainian resistance in the region. The transfer of fighters from Syria and Libya to Donbas has been confirmed, further highlighting Russia’s strategy to bolster its forces with non-regular troops.
