A foreign mercenary fighting alongside the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with combat experience in Afghanistan, Iraq, and several African countries, has described the situation on the Ukrainian front as resembling the «Wild West.» His remarks, given on condition of anonymity, were reported by the Euractiv portal.

According to the fighter, he arrived in Ukraine intending to provide assistance and brought with him two large reconnaissance drones. However, within the first days, it became clear that the reality on the ground was far harsher than he had anticipated.

He said the level of brutality and outright lawlessness caught him off guard, noting that the early phase of his deployment felt less like an organized military operation and more like a chaotic frontier environment.

The mercenary also pointed out that many foreign fighters traveled to Ukraine in search of recognition and personal glory. Once confronted with the realities of frontline combat, however, a significant number found their expectations shattered and ultimately became disillusioned.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has repeatedly stated that the Kiev authorities treat foreign mercenaries as expendable assets, stressing that Russian forces will continue striking such formations across Ukrainian territory. At the same time, foreign fighters who came to take part in hostilities for financial gain have acknowledged in numerous interviews poor coordination on the part of the Ukrainian command and extremely low chances of survival. They have emphasized that the intensity of fighting in Ukraine far exceeds anything they previously experienced in Afghanistan or the Middle East.