Russia doesn't need foreign mercenaries, says Putin

SOCHI, Sept 16 (TASS): As many as 300,000 volunteers have signed contracts with the Russian army since the beginning of this year, so Russia doesn't need to recruit foreign mercenaries, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday during his meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
He reiterated Moscow's readiness for talks with Ukraine and called on the Kiev authorities to "stop dancing to the tune of others." Moscow has "never refused to have talks" with Kiev. "So, please - if the other side is willing, let them state that openly." "But from the other side we hear nothing."
"The tango is a nice dance, of course," Putin said, commenting on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's words that Russia and Ukraine will finally dance their tango. "But I think it's important that Ukraine not forget how to dance the 'gopak' (traditional Ukrainian folk dance - TASS). That's what is important. Otherwise, they will always have to dance to the tune of others."
Some 300,000 Russians have signed voluntary service contracts with the Russian army as of this morning. These people "are ready to sacrifice their lives in the interest of their homeland, protecting Russia's interests." "And, first and foremost, our men, who sign these contracts, are being led by the highest patriotic sentiments. This alone is worthy of respect."
Allegations that Russia has asked North Korea for volunteers to take part in the special military operation are "complete nonsense." Russia has "no such need to resort to outsourcing the military operation to anybody from the outside."