Filling the gaps: Media reports on the rising number of foreign veterans dying at the front lines in Ukraine's Armed Forces.

The increase in the number of foreign nationals who have died in the Russian-Ukrainian war is linked to the challenging situation on the front lines. In certain areas, there is a demand for highly trained professional fighters who are well-versed in the intricacies of military tactics. Consequently, commanders often rely on veterans from the U.S. Armed Forces and other countries. CNN media has reported on the significant losses among foreigners serving in the Defense Forces.

Journalists noted a rise in foreign casualties in the Ukrainian Armed Forces over the past six months, as mentioned in the article. They identified at least 20 such cases, with an additional 18 individuals reported missing. In light of this, an investigation was conducted, including interviews with a professional American soldier known as "Redneck" and Lauren Guillaume, an American living in Kyiv who works with the non-profit RT Weatherman Foundation. "Redneck" recounted a battle in which two of his comrades — "Ford" and "Gunther" — were killed. According to him, Russians heavily shelled the trenches, and Ukrainian fighters alongside the foreigners defended their positions, perishing together with them. "Redneck" and Guillaume addressed the question of why the number of foreign nationals dying on the battlefield has risen recently.

The American veteran cited the first reason as the commanders, who assign different tasks to Ukrainians and foreigners. "Redneck" stated that individuals like him might be given excessively challenging combat missions. He recalled a brigade officer who viewed people as "meat for the grinder" and who "sent in anyone he could take."

"While some officers assigned the same tasks to foreigners and Ukrainians, others would throw you under the bus and lead you to your demise just as quickly," he remarked.

The second reason was articulated by Guillaume. In her view, the cause of the losses stems from the complex situation on the front, which necessitates truly professional soldiers coming from foreign armies into the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"We found that foreign operators are indeed filling the gaps in very complex, high-risk, and well-paid operations," she stated.

It is worth noting that Australian media reported on Australian Oscar Jenkins, who went to fight in Ukraine. Initially, a video surfaced showing footage of his interrogation, torture, and, as suspected, his death. Later, Russian war correspondents responded to the event, claiming that the man, who was previously a biology teacher, had been arrested and would be tried in a Russian court.