Russia Sends Foreign Mercenaries into “Human Wave” Assaults in Donetsk Region, Ukraine’s Intelligence Says
Russia has been using foreign mercenaries from Africa and the Middle East in high-risk infantry assaults in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, according to Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence Directorate (HUR). Ukrainian intelligence officials say these fighters are being deployed in so-called “human wave” attacks, where small assault groups are sent forward despite heavy losses.
According to HUR, Russian forces have recruited foreign nationals and are using them alongside Russian troops during offensive operations in the Donetsk sector. Intelligence officials said that mercenaries are often involved in the most dangerous tasks — attempting to approach Ukrainian positions, identify defensive lines, and create opportunities for further advances.
Foreign Fighters Among Russia’s Assault Units
Ukraine’s military intelligence reported that Russia has been expanding its recruitment of foreign fighters as it continues its offensive operations in eastern Ukraine. The recruits reportedly come from several regions, including countries in Africa and the Middle East.
HUR said that many foreign nationals are attracted by promises of financial rewards, Russian citizenship, or improved living conditions. However, after arriving in Russia, some are allegedly sent directly to combat zones with limited preparation and used in frontline assaults.
The intelligence agency described the tactic as part of Russia’s broader strategy of maintaining pressure on Ukrainian defensive positions through repeated infantry attacks.
“Human Wave” Tactics on the Donetsk Front
The term “human wave” is used by Ukrainian officials to describe assault tactics in which large numbers of infantry are sent toward defended positions, often without sufficient protection or regard for casualties.
According to HUR assessments, Russian forces have continued using such methods in Donetsk region, where fighting remains intense. Foreign mercenaries are reportedly integrated into assault groups alongside Russian military personnel and other recruited fighters.
Ukrainian officials say these operations aim to exhaust Ukrainian defenders, identify weaknesses in defensive positions, and gradually push forward despite significant losses.
Russia’s Growing Use of Foreign Recruitment
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has increasingly relied on various forms of recruitment to maintain troop numbers. Ukrainian and international officials have previously reported cases involving foreign citizens being recruited through misleading contracts, financial incentives, or promises of employment.
HUR said that the involvement of foreign fighters demonstrates Moscow’s continued efforts to compensate for battlefield losses and sustain offensive operations.
Fighting Continues in Eastern Ukraine
The Donetsk region remains one of the most active areas of the war. Russian forces have focused significant resources on attempts to capture additional territory, while Ukrainian troops continue defensive operations.
Ukrainian intelligence officials emphasize that the use of foreign mercenaries does not significantly change the overall situation on the battlefield but reflects Russia’s reliance on manpower-intensive tactics.
The HUR report has not been independently verified by international observers. Russian officials have not publicly commented on the Ukrainian intelligence claims.
