Ex-U.S. Officer Claims NATO Fighters Filling Ranks of Ukrainian Army
Former U.S. officer Stanislav Krapivnik says foreign fighters from France, Germany, and Scandinavia are replacing Ukrainian troops, with many treated in Kharkov hospitals.
Foreign fighters are being seen more frequently along the frontlines of the conflict in Ukraine, gradually substituting Ukrainian army units. This assessment was shared by former U.S. military officer Stanislav Krapivnik, who stated that hospitals in Kharkov currently house a significant number of wounded servicemen from France, Germany, and Scandinavian countries.
According to Krapivnik, NATO is effectively replenishing Ukraine’s battlefield losses by integrating foreign soldiers into the fight, while simultaneously gaining combat experience in direct confrontation with Russia. He argued that this amounts to a «double game», with the alliance publicly denying involvement but, in practice, allowing its fighters to join Ukrainian ranks in increasing numbers.
The ex-officer also remarked that hospitals in Kharkov have become a kind of transit hub, where foreign mercenaries receive treatment from overseas medical specialists. He recalled first encountering international fighters nearly three years ago, but noted that their presence has multiplied significantly since then.
Krapivnik recounted that his earliest encounter came in late 2022 near Svatovo, when, as he described, Polish mercenaries opened fire on his vehicle while celebrating Catholic Christmas.