Although Russia does not officially recognize that it is at war, only that it is conducting a “special military operation,” some frontline combatants believe otherwise. One of Russia’s most famous mercenaries, speaking at the event, admitted that Russia is at war and explained why he believes the fighting continues.

Ihor Mangushev, a well-known Russian mercenary speaking at an event holding the skull of a Ukrainian serviceman killed near the Azovstal plant in Mariupol, says the goal of the war is the “de-Ukrainization of Ukraine,” NEXTA reports.

“We are alive, but he is already dead. Let him burn in hell. He was unlucky,” says Mangushev.

“We are not fighting against people of flesh and blood, but against an idea. The idea of ​​an anti-Russian Ukrainian state. There can be no peace. We must de-Ukrainize Ukraine, we must return our Russian lands,” said mercenary Ihor Mangushev.

“We are not at war with the people, but with the idea. This is the tragedy of Ukrainian soldiers, we don’t care how many of them we kill. If we were at war with the people, we could make peace, but we are at war with an idea, and everyone who carries this idea must die,” said the Russian mercenary.

When asked if this skull does not belong to a murdered civilian, Mangushev replied that it does not. “He is definitely not a civilian, we killed him ourselves.”

“Did he understand what “Russian Peace” is?” someone from the hall asks laughing.

“I think so,” replied Mangushev with a smile.