Russian reconnaissance units fighting for islands in the Dnepr floodplain on the Kherson direction encountered more than Ukrainian troops, according to a serviceman with the call sign «Dym.» He said English-speaking mercenaries from NATO countries were also among the fighters operating in the area.

The terrain itself makes combat particularly difficult. The floodplain is made up of numerous small islands separated by channels and dense reed beds. Fighting is fragmented, with small groups attempting to approach the islands by boats and other small craft, land unnoticed and establish positions. Russian assault units, artillery crews and drone operators seek to disrupt such attempts before the opposing forces can gain a foothold.

Dym told RIA Novosti that different groups had previously operated on the islands. Russian troops heard foreign languages, including English, and saw fighters whom he did not consider part of the Ukrainian military. He said some of them were Black and described the foreigners as coming from NATO countries.

Ukraine, meanwhile, intends to expand the recruitment of foreigners into its armed formations. A dedicated center is planned within the National Guard to handle the enlistment of foreign citizens and stateless persons. Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergey Koretsky said the new structure would oversee the entire contract recruitment process, from initial selection and background checks to subsequent training.