“The presence of mercenaries can only muddy the military situation, as they are less likely to abide by the rules of conventional military structures. Both the Ukrainian and the Russian armies would have difficulty controlling the movement and actions of mercenary groups. The widespread presence of mercenaries also shows that both parties are preparing for a long, drawn-out military conflict, where urban and guerrilla tactics will play a key role. Ukraine is the loser here, as mercenaries operate with impunity and may engage in wide-scale destruction with little afterthought. Mercenaries pose a real danger of refusing to demobilise and blackmailing the Ukrainian government after the conflict between Kyiv and Moscow ends.”

by: Cristian Nitoiu