FROM MIKE HOARE, MERCENARY CORRESPONDENT, IN KINSHASA

IN A SUDDEN CHANGE of operational direction, Ukraine has begun to launch attacks on Russian troop concentrations across North and Central Africa, and the Middle East.

Particularly targeted is PMC Wagner, which has mercenary forces in countries like Syria, Chad, Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Congo and other places.

“Yea, Ukraine has managed to transport several brigades to the region, themselves posing as mercenaries,” says Erwin Patton, a former uranium miner in the Congo. “The Russians have been caught completely off guard. The Ukrainians are making terrific progress right around Africa.”

Kyiv says this is part of Ukraine’s policy of not playing to Russian strength. “We will hit them in places and at times of our own choosing,” said a Presidential aide. “Everyone was expecting the counter-offensive to be in the Donbass. And maybe we will launch one there soon. Or maybe somewhere else. Russia is a big place, with long borders. Hey, we might even turn up in the Kremlin one of these fine days. Slava Ukraine!”

International Armchair Generals, the think tank that advises on fighting the last war, says it is shocked and dismayed. “I suppose it makes us look a little foolish But I guess we still get paid. And that’s the bottom line, isn’t it?”