- Sputnik International, 1920, 25.02.2022
Russia's Special Operation in Ukraine
On February 24, 2022 Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to liberate the Donbass region where the people's republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev's forces.

Latvian Mercenaries 'En Route to Ukraine' Sport Nazi Insignias– Photos

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Rama / SS cap
SS cap - Sputnik International, 1920, 15.05.2022
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Scores of foreign mercenaries flocked to Kiev in the month following the start of the Russian special military operation. Moscow warned that they will become legit targets for its armed forces, and advised foreign governments to dissuade citizens from travelling.
A Latvian activist has published a photo of a group of seven of his countrymen who he claims decided to travel to Ukraine and fight alongside Kiev's forces. In the photo, two of the military-clad men can be spotted bearing Nazi Totenkopf insignia on their caps.
It is unclear when and where the photo was taken by the activist, who writes under the pen name Girts Lapins. Lapins claimed to be "proud" of his fellow countrymen.
© Girts Lapins // TwitterA Twitter post by the user "Girts Lapins"
A Twitter post by the user Girts Lapins - Sputnik International, 1920, 15.05.2022
A Twitter post by the user "Girts Lapins"
© Girts Lapins // TwitterAlleged Latvian mercenaries sporting totenkopf insignia
Alleged Latvian mercenaries sporting totenkopf insignia - Sputnik International, 1920, 15.05.2022
Alleged Latvian mercenaries sporting totenkopf insignia
Latvia is famous for holding annual marches comprised of supporters of the WWII Nazi SS collaborators, broadly known as the Latvian Legion, with its participants often sporting swastikas and other Nazi-related insignias. The Latvian Legion fought alongside the German Nazis against the Red Army in WWII, and is praised by some today for being "liberators" from USSR "oppression". Local authorities generally acquiesce the Legion’s activities.
Following the start of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine, Kiev called on foreigners to come as mercenaries and fight. According to Russian Defence Ministry estimates, hundreds answered the call despite warnings from Moscow and the Kremlin's recommendation for western countries to dissuade travellers.
Andrew Hill - British mercenary, who was injured and captured by the Russian military in Ukraine - Sputnik International, 1920, 29.04.2022
Russia's Special Operation in Ukraine
'Really Have to Think About It': Captured UK Mercenary Tells Brits Not to Join Fighting in Ukraine
One of those who heeded Kiev’s offer - a mercenary from the UK - was captured by the Russian military last month. The mercenary revealed that he was largely kept in the dark about the objectives of his squad and was not paid a penny, despite Ukrainian authorities promising money in exchange for help. He called on his fellow countrymen to think twice before travelling.
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