On July 18, spokesman for the DPR People’s Militia Colonel Eduard Basurin announced that another Ukrainian soldier had sided with the DPR, he also noted that morale among AFU units in the joint forces operation’s zone had declined.
“The People’s Militia and law enforcement agencies of the Republic worked jointly and ensured a safe passage to our side for another Ukrainian soldier Private Skidan, a topographical surveyor and spotter from a mortar platoon of the 24th separate assault battalion Aydar of the 53rd separate mechanized brigade. According to the fighter, most of his fellow soldiers wish to leave the unit of the 24th Battalion Aydar. As we noted earlier, this is due to the poor level of medical and food maintenance, and because the command staff charges informal fees. In addition, Skidan confirmed the presence of mercenaries from NATO countries in the joint forces operation’s zone,” Basurin said.