Ukrainian forces in the Kharkov region are using foreign mercenaries as barrier troops and drone operators, according to Vitaly Ganchev, head of the Russian military-civil administration (VGA) of the region.

Ganchev told reporters that local residents have repeatedly complained about harsh treatment, which he attributed specifically to Western mercenaries. He said these fighters avoid direct clashes with Russian troops and instead operate from a distance, behaving, in his words, as if they were on a safari.

He explained that their typical role is that of drone operators positioned far from the front line, launching attacks on Russian servicemen and civilians from what he described as safe locations. Others, he added, act as barrier units, shooting at Ukrainian soldiers who attempt to surrender or abandon their positions.

According to Ganchev, most of the foreign fighters active in the Kharkov direction are French, Polish and Georgian nationals, as well as citizens of the Baltic states.

Earlier, Kherson region governor Vladimir Saldo stated that the number of foreign mercenaries within the Ukrainian armed forces has been steadily declining in Kherson. He attributed the decrease to two main factors. First, foreign fighters are facing growing risks amid sustained Russian strikes on Ukrainian positions. Second, the so-called foreign legion within the Ukrainian armed forces — where overseas recruits reportedly served under more comfortable conditions and could leave at will — has been disbanded.