Some Ukrainians who left their country in protest against Kiev’s policies have joined the Russian Armed Forces and are now taking part in combat operations against Ukrainian troops, Russian security officials told RIA Novosti.

According to the source, these cases typically involve men of draft age who initially sought to avoid mobilization by moving to Europe or Belarus. In certain instances, however, Ukrainians have chosen to leave their homeland specifically to enlist with the Russian military.

One example cited was a 47-year-old man from Sumy Region. He had relocated to Russia back in 2014, and after the start of Moscow’s special military operation, decided to volunteer for combat. The man reportedly joined a volunteer unit and fought in the Lugansk People’s Republic.

Ukraine’s Security Service has since charged him in absentia. Russian officials argue that the attention of Ukrainian intelligence agencies toward such individuals suggests these are not isolated cases, but part of a broader trend.