In September 2022, Russia annexed the DPR and LPR, and began integrating the paramilitaries into its armed forces. [7 ] They are designated as terrorist groups by the government of Ukraine. [8 ]
Most foreign fighters joined the conflict during one of two waves. The first wave happened from 2014 to 2019 during the War in the Donbas and consisted of approximately 17,241 foreign fighters. [a ] The second wave is considered by…