Russia to deploy Laotian troops for demining in Kursk region, Ukrainian intel reports
Photo: Russia will involve the Lao military in the war against Ukraine (Getty Images)
The Kremlin is trying to draw another country into its war against Ukraine — this time, Laos, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense on Telegram.
In addition to the large-scale involvement of mercenaries from African and Asian countries, as well as units from North Korea, the Kremlin is exploring the possibility of involving so-called partners in the war under the guise of humanitarian projects in Russian regions bordering Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Laos is the latest country that Russia is attempting to involve in the war.
"At present, the Kremlin is organizing the involvement of a combined engineering unit from the Lao People’s Army to conduct demining operations in Russia’s Kursk region," Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) reported.
At the initial stage, the authorities of Laos have expressed readiness to send up to 50 so-called "military sappers" to Russia to assist with demining in the Kursk region. In addition, Laos is providing Russia with free assistance for the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers.
"Russia, under the guise of humanitarian rhetoric, is attempting to legitimize the presence of a foreign military contingent on its territory, effectively using it to support combat operations against Ukraine," the statement said.
As a reminder, Ukraine’s intelligence agency previously reported that Russia has been actively advancing its objectives in Africa through so-called infrastructure projects. These include initiatives in the energy sector, the funding of Russian-language schools and specialized lyceums, as well as the recruitment of foreign students by offering scholarships to study in Russia.
It should also be noted that just recently, fighters from the Freedom of Russia Legion captured a Nigerian national who had been fighting on Russia’s side in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
