Russia Strictly Warns Foreign Mercenaries In Ukraine: If Caught, You Can't Get Prisoners Of War Status

Spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Defense Major General Igor Konashenkov. (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense)

JAKARTA - None of the mercenaries the West sent to Ukraine to fight for the nationalist regime will enjoy the rights of the fighters under international humanitarian law, said Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov.

"I want to make an official statement that none of the mercenaries sent by the West to Ukraine to fight for the nationalist regime in Kiev, can be considered fighters according to international humanitarian law or enjoy prisoner-of-war (POW) status," Konashenkov said. .

He stated that all acts of sabotage by mercenaries in Ukraine were carried out using weapons provided by the West. Konashenkov said foreign mercenaries attacked the Russian military and supply convoys and aircraft provided support.

"In videos distributed by Ukrainian secret services for propaganda purposes as footage allegedly filmed by local civilians, they chose not to appear in front of the camera," Konashenkov said.

He warned that all foreign mercenaries, caught and detained in Ukraine, would be brought to justice on criminal charges.

"At best, they can be prosecuted as criminals. We urge all foreign nationals who may have plans to go and fight for the Kiyiv nationalist regime, to think a dozen times before proceeding," warned Konashenkov.