Expert casts doubts on report of pro-Russian Malaysian mercenaries

 

Ukraine’s National Resistance Centre has claimed that Malaysians were among those serving as mercenaries alongside Russians in eastern Ukraine. (AP pic)

PETALING JAYA: A counter-terrorism expert has cast doubt on a Ukrainian military report claiming Malaysian mercenaries were involved in the Russia-Ukraine war in the eastern Donetsk region.

Munira Mustaffa said that there was a need for further supporting evidence as the information about the so-called mercenaries came from only one source, a brief notice from Ukraine’s National Resistance Centre.

“They did not clarify the basis of their conclusion, be it visual sighting or signals intelligence or if these were verified or corroborated. This raises the possibility of an error in their reporting. Mistakes can happen,” said Munira, a visiting fellow at the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism.

On Jan 25,  Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said there has been no information about Malaysians involved in the Russia-Ukraine war, but reminded the public that the police would not compromise with anyone who acts as a mercenary or terrorist, even in a war-torn country.

Munira said Malaysia regards mercenary activities as illegal, potentially falling under the terrorism law (Sosma) or the Penal Code “for committing depredation on the territories of any power at peace with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong”.

Another defence and security expert, Mizan Aslam, said the authorities have to make it clear to the public that any involvement with mercenary activities is illegal.

He said the case of Malaysians taking part in the Russia-Ukraine war “may be a tricky situation” as these countries have not been labelled terrorist states. It was unlike getting involved with those classified as terrorist groups, such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. Such activity would be considered illegal.

Ukraine’s National Resistance Centre has alleged that Malaysians were among those serving as mercenaries alongside Russians. They were said to be accompanied by a translator, as well as a former member of the Wagner force which was once engaged by the Russian military. - FMT