France might have lost hundreds of soldiers in Ukraine, says law enforcement

Several hundred French soldiers might have been killed in Ukraine, a source in Russian law enforcement structures reported.

"According to various data, the French army’s losses may range from ten to several hundred soldiers," he said.

He cited Stephen Bryen, former Deputy US Under Secretary of Defense as saying that around 100 French soldiers had been sent to Ukraine at some point. According to Bryen, they were recruited in the 3rd French infantry regiment, one of the key units of the Foreign Legion.

"We would like to recall that France is one of the few NATO countries that do not shy to send its career servicemen to take part in combat operations," the source added.

Up to 25,000 mercenaries from 107 countries fight for Ukraine since 2014

Up to 25,000 mercenaries from 107 countries might have been fighting on the part of Ukraine since 2014, Laurent Braillard, a French expert, historian, and war correspondent working in Donbass said.

"I think their number ranges from 22,000 to 25,000, since 2014," he said.

According to the expert, there were only several hundred foreigners in Ukrainian armed units at the beginning of the conflict in Donbass in 2014, but their number has increased dramatically ever since.

"But according to my estimates, 97.5% of them have been recruited since 2022," said, adding that today mercenaries from 107 countries are fighting in the Ukrainian army.

***