Russia continues its aggressive tactics, often referred to as Zhukovism, by employing foreign mercenaries as expendable forces in its war against Ukraine. War-ravaged Syria has become a primary recruitment ground, where men are lured with promises of russian citizenship and paid work, though few return home.
The treatment of Syrian mercenaries by the russian military is exemplified by the stories of Mohammed Mansour and Wahid Mursal al-Shibli. Both fought in Ukraine as part of the 488th Motor Rifle Regiment of the 144th Motor Rifle Division (the 12721military unit).
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In July 2024, Mohammed Mansour and a group of 14 Syrian mercenaries were sent by russian forces to attack near Svatove, Luhansk region. When Ukrainian soldiers opened fire, the russians denied requests to evacuate the wounded and ordered the Syrians to press on. Mohammed Mansour, wounded, defied the order and fled, while the rest of the mercenaries were killed and subsequently listed as missing.
On September 15, 2024, Syrian social media reported the death of Wahid Mursal al-Shibli, a farmer who had obtained a russian passport. He and a small group of seven mercenaries were sent to storm Ukrainian positions in Luhansk, where they were wiped out. Wahid Mursal al-Shibli, wounded in the fighting, died after being left without medical evacuation. The fate of the other members of his unit remains unknown.
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