Ukraine accuses Russia of "recruiting mercenaries" to "replace its personnel losses" in the war

MADRID, 14 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have accused Russia this Friday of "recruiting mercenaries" to "replace their losses at the personnel level" in the fighting unleashed as a result of the invasion of Ukraine, unleashed on February 24 by order of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"To replace its losses in personnel, the Russian military leadership does not stop the practice of recruiting mercenaries, in particular citizens of other countries," said the General Staff of the Ukrainian Army, which has pointed to the arrival of "400 foreign militiamen in the territory temporarily occupied Crimea".

"It is planned that in the future they will be involved in hostilities on Ukrainian territory," he said in a message on his Facebook social network account, before accusing Russia of "increasing the number of personnel" at Energodar, where it is located. the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe.

Thus, he pointed out that "according to the information available, the occupants use the plant as a base for the deployment of personnel in view of the fact that they are not fired upon", while stressing that Russia continues to attack "crucial infrastructure and civil installations "on the territory of Ukraine.

Over the past day, Defense Forces units have repelled enemy attacks in the direction of Terny, Opytne, Vesele, Nevelske, Odradivka, Ivanhrad, Bakhmut, Nova Kamianka and Suhy Stavok settlements.

Likewise, it has emphasized that "during the last 24 hours, the Air Force has carried out 25 attacks, causing damage to more than 19 areas of concentration of weapons and equipment, as well as six anti-aircraft missile systems."

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Army has also stated that during the last day 500 Russian soldiers have died in combat, which brings the total since the beginning of hostilities to "about 64,300", while 2,521 battle tanks have been destroyed, 1,566 artillery systems and 186 air defense systems.

On the other hand, it has indicated that 268 planes, 240 helicopters, 1,199 drones, 316 cruise missiles, 16 boats, 3,944 vehicles and fuel tanks and 142 pieces of special equipment have also been destroyed. "The data is being updated. Hit the occupier. Let's win together. Our strength is in the truth", he has riveted.