The head of the Russian FSB, Alexander Bortnikov, reported that the number of fighters in the "International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine" formed in the West has reached 18 people. This military contingent, according to him, consists of mercenaries from more than 85 countries. Bortnikov emphasized that the recruitment of fighters is carried out primarily abroad through Ukrainian diplomatic missions.

According to the FSB, Ukrainian foreign institutions play a key role in recruiting foreigners to the legion. The mercenaries include citizens of European countries, North America, as well as countries of the Middle East and Asia. This confirms the information that not only Ukrainian and Russian forces, but also military representatives of other countries are involved in the conflict in Ukraine.