
The Balkans are the main source of mercenary fighters for Russia, according to the National Resistance Center, an organization operated by the Ukrainian Special Forces.
A key figure in the recruitment process is veteran Serbian mercenary sniper Deyan Berich, who fought for Russia against Ukraine in 2014. Another important Serbian mercenary was identified as Zika Radoic, who is currently fighting for Russia.
Russia is increasingly relying on mercenaries in Ukraine, according to British government officials, who said there are now 20,000 Wagner Group fighters in the country.
The Wagner Group is a paramilitary formation controlled by the Russian state that fights mainly in the Bakhmut area, the site of the heaviest hostilities along the entire front line, Kyiv Independent writes.