Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) identified a Filipino citizen among Russian forces killed in Donetsk Oblast, revealing he received just one week of training before deployment and was left to die after being wounded. The mercenary from the Philippines, John Patrick, was killed during a Russian assault near a village in the Kramatorsk front.
Filipino mercenary found dead near Kramatorsk
HUR identified John Patrick's body among eliminated Russian soldiers in Donetsk Oblast. The Filipino national reportedly served in the 9th Assault Company of the 3rd Battalion, 283rd Regiment, 144th Motor Rifle Division, 20th Combined Arms Army of Russia's armed forces.
The Philippine citizen died during a so-called "meat assault" near Novoselivka village in Kramatorsk district. At the time of death, the mercenary carried only weapons, ammunition, and a small slip of paper. The paper contained his unit number, a phone number, and his commander's name. He reportedly didn't speak Russian.
One week of training, then the front line
Data retrieved from Patrick's electronic devices revealed a grim picture of Russia's recruitment practices. The Filipino national underwent only one week of basic basic training before Russian commanders sent him directly to the front line, according to HUR. After he sustained a wound, his unit left him to die slowly in a forest belt. No evacuation was planned or provided.
The agency warned foreign citizens against traveling to Russia or accepting any employment on its territory, especially illegal work. A trip to Russia now carries real risk of forced deployment into an assault unit without proper training and without any chance of survival, HUR stated.
Russian recruitment drive
Desperate for manpower after suffering massive losses in Ukraine, Russia aggressively recruits both locals and foreigners to sign military contracts — effectively making them mercenaries — or deceives foreign civilians into combat roles to avoid unpopular domestic mobilization. The recruitment drive spans dozens of countries, targeting economically challenged nations including:
- Cuba, Nepal, India,
- Central Asian republics (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan),
- African countries (Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Uganda, Cameroon, Somalia, Senegal),
- Arab nations (Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Algeria, Yemen).
Recruiters often lure foreigners with promises of lucrative salaries, signing bonuses, non-combat rear-area positions, and expedited Russian citizenship for themselves and families.
