Russia Deploys Additional 1,000 Mercenaries to Ukraine

Concerns Over Rapid Increase in Civilian Casualties

On the 4th (local time), a school building in the northwestern Ukrainian city of Zhytomyr was destroyed beyond recognition due to indiscriminate bombing by Russian forces.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] There are projections that Russia will deploy an additional 1,000 mercenaries to Ukraine.

Major foreign media outlets such as CNN reported on the 4th (local time) that Russia is adding these forces while intensifying concentrated bombings on several Ukrainian cities, which could increase civilian casualties.

Earlier, a U.S. Department of Defense official, Joe, revealed signs that Russian mercenaries are already operating in some parts of Ukraine.

On the same day, a U.S. official told CNN, "Russia plans to deploy up to 1,000 additional mercenaries in the near future," adding, "The Russian mercenaries already inside Ukraine have faced stronger-than-expected resistance from Ukrainians and have not been effective, with up to 200 mercenaries killed by the end of last month."

Amid this situation, it is expected that Russia will increase the intensity of attacks on densely populated areas, including the capital Kyiv (Kiyev), where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently expressed his determination to resist.

According to CNN, Russia appears prepared to bomb several Ukrainian cities to force them into submission. As Russia’s strategy shifts from targeting military facilities to civilians, the number of civilian casualties could surge. A Western official expressed concern, saying, "This is a very harsh method," and "The damage will be extensive and indiscriminate."

CNN pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin adopted this approach after failing to achieve a swift victory and facing fierce resistance across Ukraine.