>>46086
>And ofc they aren't in Russia. In Mali it's perfectly legal.

Technically country doesn't matter - if someone would engage in mercenary activity and this will be found in Russia, he will be jailed. It requires police investigation and criminal trial. Although everyone understand what happens of course and there will be no trials.

>I still think the govt. of Mali (or whoever is in control now, colonel Goita) also profits from dress the situation as some kind of diplomatic courtship on behalf of Russia. They might try to show they have options besides the French to defend the country.

It is good for every party except French. This is their own fault though, why do they leave?