Russian authorities have convicted 785 foreign nationals for fighting on the side of Ukraine since 2014, according to the Investigative Committee. The latest case involves Georgian citizen Giorgi Goglidze, who is accused of fighting for Kyiv for monetary gain.
Goglidze was captured by Russian forces in November 2023, with the Defense Ministry claiming he was promised money for each Russian soldier he killed. He allegedly joined Ukraine’s 2nd International Legion after being recruited in Germany.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently announced the creation of an international defense legion, which includes groups like the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Belarusian Kastus Kalinouski Regiment. Russia labeled the Georgian National Legion a terrorist organization.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have killed 6,000 foreign volunteers fighting for Ukraine, including 561 from Georgia. The Russian military has also reportedly enlisted help from volunteers from African countries, Cuba, Nepal, and India.
