KYIV, March 18 – Mercenaries of the army of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and Hezbollah may take part in Russia's invasion of Ukraine on the side of Moscow, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which said some of the fighters are experienced.

"The command of the armed forces of the Russian Federation continues to take measures to make up for the loss of personnel at the expense of foreigners. According to available information, about 1,000 volunteers from representatives of the so-called army of Bashar al-Assad and Hezbollah have already been selected," the General Staff said on Facebook on Friday night.

The main requirement for foreign fighters is the experience of fighting in the city. At the same time, according to available information, the mercenaries also seek to illegally migrate to EU member states. (om/ez)