THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN CONFLICT. “MERCENARIES” VS “FOREIGN” FIGHTERS

Abstract

This article addresses the extensive use of “foreign” combatants in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, which has made the generic name of “mercenaries” even more difficult for those who, without being citizens of any of the countries in conflict, participate directly in the combat. Reports obtained from open sources and international state bodies suggest that both Russia and Ukraine have recruited and complemented forces in ways that potentially affect international legal norms related to mercenaries. The active participation in the conflict by the Wagner Group, a renowned Russian Private Military Company (CMP), and on the other hand, the creation of the International Territorial Defense Legion of Ukraine, also known as the International Ukrainian Legion or the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, It openly demonstrates that both States have resorted to the use of thousands of “foreign” combatants to fight for their respective causes, which has direct effects on the law of war.