Russia claims Ukrainian diplomatic missions recruiting mercenaries to fight for Kyiv

As brutal war in Eastern Europe continues to escalate, Russia has accused Ukrainian diplomatic missions of recruiting mercenaries to fight against Russian armed forces. Speaking to reporters, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Oleg Syromolotov, claimed that Ukrainian diplomatic offices are involved in recruiting mercenaries to fight against Russia amid ongoing military operation. He highlighted that situation has been me worse by influx of foreign mercenaries into Ukraine from Europe and Middle East, Sputnik reported. 

Syromolotov furr stated that recruitment of mercenaries by Ukrainian diplomatic missions is in violation of International law. After Russian armed forces launched a special military operation in Ukraine, Moscow has frequently urged foreign countries to prohibit ir citizens from travelling to war-torn country to join conflict. As per Kremlin, anyone attacking  Russian troops would be deemed a legitimate target. Syromolotov also claimed that nuclear material from a third country could be brought to Ukraine, and that Ukrainian authorities are also planning chemical provocations in Donbass region. 

A large number of foreign mercenaries stationed in Mariupol: Russia

As per Russian Defense Ministry, intercepted rio data from Mariupol indicates that occupied portions of city are home to a large number of foreign mercenaries speaking predominantly European langus. Last week, Russian Defense Ministry Spokesperson Igor Konashenkov claimed that re are several foreign mercenaries in besieged city. He went on to say that apart from Russian and Ukrainian, six or, largely European langus are used by m.

'ble objectives' of military operation will be implemented in Ukraine: Putin

"t defenders of so-called European values but foreign mercenaries, who came here to kill Slavs for American dollars hiding behind a human shield of civilians, are w blocked in city," Konashenkov was quoted as saying by TASS news ncy. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Russian President Vlimir Putin stated that objectives of special military operation will be implemented in Ukraine. During a meeting with workers from Vostochny cosmodrome in Russia's far east, Putin stressed that objectives of this operation are "ble and very clear," and y will definitely be implemented. 

Im: AP