"The number of Algerian mercenaries within the Russian occupation forces is being established, and their identification is ongoing. As of December 18, 2024, 22 Russian mercenaries from Algeria have been identified," the statement reads.
Ukrainian intelligence has published a list of identified Algerians, whose ages range from 20 years (Ala Budzhen) to 48 years (Watat Nkami).
One Algerian was discussed separately.
"On December 15, 2024, during battles in the Zaporizhia region, a Russian mercenary from Algeria, Taleb Nabil, was killed. He was recruited by the Russians from the military contingent of the Russian Federation in Algeria in early March 2024. In June – July, the Algerian joined the combat operations against Ukraine in Donbas. In September, he informed his relatives that he was 'going to war deep into Ukrainian territory'," the GUR noted.
The agency published a story from Nabil's sister.
"Initially, a friend of his said they would be sent to Europe, and he wanted to go to Europe. But then he realized that his friend had deceived him, and he was only offered to sign a contract with the Russian army for a year. They promised that after a year of service, he would receive Russian citizenship and a monthly salary. Eventually, they flew from Algeria directly to Russia," the GUR quotes the woman.
According to her, along with Taleb Nabil, there were two other mercenaries from Algeria in the Russian occupation forces, who were also killed.