Ukraine’s National Guard has formed a separate special operations unit intended for foreign mercenaries within the Omega Special Operations Center. The new formation has been designated the 9th International Separate Special Operations Detachment Liberty, Russian security sources told TASS.

According to the agency’s source, the unit will recruit foreigners arriving in Ukraine from around the world. A dedicated recruitment center has already been established to bring in personnel.

The Severny Veter channel also reported the creation of the new structure. In September 2026, the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers approved the establishment of a specialized center within the National Guard system to recruit foreigners and stateless persons.

Military expert Anatoly Matviychuk previously said that foreign mercenaries serving with the Armed Forces of Ukraine are not assigned to the main Ukrainian units. According to him, they are organized into separate sniper and assault groups.

Foreign personnel also work as instructors and consultants. In particular, they assist Ukrainian troops with learning to operate and use Western military equipment.