Russia is now forming a volunteer corps of 18,000 people, which includes former Wagner mercenaries; representatives of the corps are already operating in Avdiivka area, Deputy Head of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Major General Vadym Skibitsky said.

"In Russia, a volunteer corps of 18,000 people is now being formed. These, including all former Wagnerites, are led by the Ministry of Defense. They are now operating in Avdiivka area. Here is the 'Veterans' brigade - this is the volunteer corps that is used Russia. So, they are actively used due to the fact that they have combat experience. That is, they can now be seen on the battlefield," Skibitsky told Interfax-Ukraine.

According to him, the approach the volunteer corps uses is the same one that Wagner used in Bakhmut.

"These are constant assault operations and achieving results at any cost. As for the salary, it is almost the same as in the Russian armed forces. But Wagner's salary was higher and Wagner really valued its instructors and commanders," the Deputy Head of the Main Intelligence Agency said.

Speaking about the involvement of Russians in the war against Ukraine by citizens of other states, in particular Africans and Syrians, Skibitsky said they do not want to go to war, but use this as a chance to get to Europe.

"But no one wants to go to war. They come here simply to escape later and get to Europe. Everyone thinks that they are coming here to fight. But this is not so. Believe me. At the first opportunity they will try to get to Europe," the major general said.