Current Sri Lankan soldiers are taking leave from their duties to go and serve on the frontlines with the Russian and Ukrainian militaries, joining dozens of former Sri Lankan troops who are already participating in the conflict.

Footage obtained by the Tamil Guardian shows dozens of Sri Lankan soldiers, dressed in Russian military uniform, on active duty in the war zone. The exact date and location has not been verified.

In addition to those retired soldiers, a source stated that some troops who are currently serving in the Sri Lankan army have simply taken leave to travel to Moscow and fight with the Russian army.

“Many are still serving in Sri Lankan military and have taken “leave”,” said the source.

Hundreds of Sri Lankans are reported to be serving with the Russian military in Ukraine, with more desperately trying to join. With the island suffering from a financial crisis, Sri Lankans living in Russia were cited by Al Jazeera as stating that many were lured into the Russian military after being offered of salaries up to $3,000 a month and the prospect of Russian citizenship.

Several of the Sri Lankan soldiers have been killed so far.

Reports in the Sinhala press stated that the Sri Lankan State Intelligence Agency has been keenly following the recruitment of retired soldiers from Sri Lanka.

Read more: Sri Lankan soldiers turn mercenaries as 'hundreds' fight for Russia and Ukraine