Pope Francis on Wednesday condemned the use of mercenaries in Russia’s war against Ukraine, saying they inflict “so much brutality” on the population, Reuters reported.

Speaking at the end of the general audience, he said: “I again call for prayer for the martyrs of Ukraine, we ask the Lord for peace for this people who suffer so much and who endure so much cruelty, so much cruelty from the mercenaries who are waging war.”

The Pope did not specifically mention Russia and did not give details.

The Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, has been accused by the European Union and the United States of orchestrating operations on behalf of the Kremlin in Ukraine, where Russian troops invaded in February.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the group does not represent the state, but private military contractors also have the right to work anywhere in the world as long as they do not violate Russian law.