At least 300 Syrian militants have arrived in Russia to take part in the war in Ukraine. Currently, they are undergoing military training. This was reported by The New York Times, citing a Western diplomat and ally of the Syrian government based in Damascus.
According to the media, hundreds of Syrian militants plan to join the Russian troops. They have previously worked with Russian officers who supported the regime of Bashar al-Assad during the war in Syria.
On 7 March 2022, The Wall Street Journal, citing interlocutors in the US government, published material about Russia recruiting fighters in Syria, hoping that their fighting experience in urban areas would help take Kyiv. Bashar al-Assad was expected to provide Russia with 40,000 militants.
On 13 March 2022, the Chief Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense announced that Russia had gathered thousands of mercenaries in Syria and Libya.
Recently, Ukrainian intelligence said that some Syrian mercenaries consider participating in the war in Ukraine on the side of Russia as an opportunity for further desertion and illegal migration to EU countries.
In addition, the Chief Directorate of Intelligence advised that Syria‘s plan to involve militants in the war in Ukraine on the side of Russia is failing because most of the Syrian militaries are not ready to risk their lives for the sake of illusory payment.