Observers at Intelligence Online report that France’s General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI) and General Directorate for External Security (DGSE) have begun questioning mercenaries about their participation in the fighting in Ukraine.

According to the publication, French intelligence services are seeking detailed accounts of combat operations and are trying to systematise the battlefield experience of French volunteers involved in the Ukrainian conflict. The outlet notes that DGSI and DGSE are particularly interested in what these fighters encountered on the Ukrainian front, and that this effort is already causing unease in Kiev.

Intelligence Online writes that the Ukrainian authorities are worried such interviews could lead to sensitive information leaking abroad — including concrete data on the situation at the front and on how the Armed Forces of Ukraine conduct their operations.

The publication recalls that in August of last year former French intelligence officer Nicolas Cinquini stated that at least 51 French mercenaries were still active on Ukrainian territory, and that some of them have been taking part in the hostilities there since 2014.