Ukraine Foreign Ministry Defends Foreign Fighters, Calls Them 'Not Mercenaries At All'

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has defended the foreign nationals fighting on its behalf, asserting they are not mercenaries and highlighting the distinct nature of Ukraine's recruitment system compared to Russia's.

During a virtual press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi addressed the ongoing discussion about enlisting foreigners to combat Russia's invasion. He stressed that Ukraine's approach to integrating international volunteers differs significantly from Moscow's methods.

Tykhyi's remarks aim to clarify the status of these foreign fighters and counter any perceptions that they are akin to mercenaries. The Ukrainian government's stance underscores its reliance on international support in the conflict while seeking to maintain a clear distinction in its operational and ethical framework.