DW: More than 100 Germans fighting for separatists in eastern Ukraine
Russian nationals comprise most of the foreign insurgent force, fighting Ukrainian troops in Donbas
More than 100 Germans are fighting alongside Kremlin-backed militants in east Ukraine, German newspaper Welt am Sonntag reported on Sunday. Research by the publication found that ethnic Germans from Russia make up the majority of those fighters – some of whom had previously acquired military experience. The article adds that Germans participating in fighting in Ukraine are not subject to criminal charges back home, unlike those who travel to Syria or Iraq to fight alongside Islamic State.
An internal affairs expert for Germany’s ruling coalition was quoted as saying participants in the Russian-backed uprising should be punished for ‘terrorist activities’. Germany’s Ministry of internal Affairs of Germany has previously pledged not to tolerate crimes committed abroad by its citizens. According to Welt am Sonntag, at least one German citizens has died in the conflict; 33-year-old native of Kazakhstan – who was mortally wounded by a shell last month during the battle for Debaltseve. He was buried in Moscow.
The number of Germans fighting within militant ranks is far fewer than those of Russian nationality, who make up the vast majority of the fighting force in Ukraine. Serbs, French and Spanish fighters, mostly drawn from nationalist groups, are also taking part.