Russian forces and their proxies have controlled large areas of Donetsk since 2014, when large-scale pro-democracy protests in Ukraine led to a separatist conflict.

“The Russians continue to collect mercenaries from all countries in the world to continue their aggressive policy,” said Ukraine’s National Resistance Center in a brief notice.

“Mercenaries from Malaysia, accompanied by a translator, as well as a former Wagner member have been spotted in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region.

“The fighters are currently at the training ground. The National Resistance Center warns that anyone fighting alongside Russians against Ukraine is a military target.”

It added that Cubans, Nepalese, Belarusians and Serbs are among those who have repeatedly been seen as “members of the Russian armed forces”.

The National Resistance Center’s website states that it was created by Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces to train, coordinate and scale movements against the country’s occupation.

Armed groups affiliated with the Russian army like the Wagner mercenary force have been active in Ukraine and are accused of numerous violations of international humanitarian laws.

FMT has reached out to Wisma Putra for comment on the National Resistance Center’s report.