This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-43125506

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Russia admits dozens of Russian casualties in Syria battle Russia admits dozens of Russian casualties in Syria battle
(35 minutes later)
Russia's foreign ministry has confirmed that "several dozen" Russian citizens - not regular soldiers - were killed or wounded in a recent battle in Syria.Russia's foreign ministry has confirmed that "several dozen" Russian citizens - not regular soldiers - were killed or wounded in a recent battle in Syria.
The statement did not give a date. Previously the Russian government said "probably five" Russians had died in a clash in Deir al-Zour province.The statement did not give a date. Previously the Russian government said "probably five" Russians had died in a clash in Deir al-Zour province.
Some reports have said more than 100 Russian mercenaries were killed in US air strikes on 7 February.Some reports have said more than 100 Russian mercenaries were killed in US air strikes on 7 February.
Russia does not divulge firm details of "volunteer" fighters in the conflict.Russia does not divulge firm details of "volunteer" fighters in the conflict.
What does Russia say?What does Russia say?
The latest Russian statement said no Russian regular forces were involved. The latest Russian statement said no Russian regular forces had been involved.
The foreign ministry, quoted by the RIA news agency, described the casualties as "Russian citizens who went to Syria of their own accord for various reasons". Some were also from other ex-Soviet republics.The foreign ministry, quoted by the RIA news agency, described the casualties as "Russian citizens who went to Syria of their own accord for various reasons". Some were also from other ex-Soviet republics.
The statement did not specify the numbers of dead or wounded, but spoke of "several dozen" casualties, and said the wounded were being treated now in hospitals in Russia.The statement did not specify the numbers of dead or wounded, but spoke of "several dozen" casualties, and said the wounded were being treated now in hospitals in Russia.
Who are the mercenaries?Who are the mercenaries?
Officially, Russia's military role mainly takes the form of air strikes, helping President Bashar al-Assad's forces.Officially, Russia's military role mainly takes the form of air strikes, helping President Bashar al-Assad's forces.
However, independent media have found evidence of other Russian citizens fighting for the Syrian government side.However, independent media have found evidence of other Russian citizens fighting for the Syrian government side.
Relatives of the hired fighters say they have been paid insurance money by unknown representatives of so-called private military companies, which bring their bodies back.Relatives of the hired fighters say they have been paid insurance money by unknown representatives of so-called private military companies, which bring their bodies back.
One mother Nina Atyusheva, a pensioner from the north-west Arkhangelsk Oblast region, told the BBC she has been fighting to get the state to formally record her son's death: "I want to ask this question: in what way are the children sent by the armed forces different from those like mine, who went as a volunteer?" A pensioner from the north-west Arkhangelsk Oblast region, Nina Atyusheva, told the BBC she has been fighting to get the state to formally record her son's death: "I want to ask this question: in what way are the children sent by the armed forces different from those like mine, who went as a volunteer?"
Read more: The Russian guns for hire in SyriaRead more: The Russian guns for hire in Syria
What happened on 7 February?What happened on 7 February?
The US launched air and artillery strikes in Deir al-Zour province, which, it says, killed 100 militia.The US launched air and artillery strikes in Deir al-Zour province, which, it says, killed 100 militia.
It says it had to defend the headquarters of its allies, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which was under attack by fighters aligned with the Syrian government.It says it had to defend the headquarters of its allies, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which was under attack by fighters aligned with the Syrian government.
The US says these forces crossed an informal demarcation line along the Euphrates River; the government controls the western side and the SDF the east.The US says these forces crossed an informal demarcation line along the Euphrates River; the government controls the western side and the SDF the east.
The two sides have clashed over the past year while trying to drive Islamic State (IS) militants from their last major stronghold in the country.The two sides have clashed over the past year while trying to drive Islamic State (IS) militants from their last major stronghold in the country.
The Pentagon said it had been in constant contact with Russia in the run up to the February operation.The Pentagon said it had been in constant contact with Russia in the run up to the February operation.
The Syrian government called the attacks a "massacre" and said it would complain to the United Nations.The Syrian government called the attacks a "massacre" and said it would complain to the United Nations.
Russia and the US have accused each other of operating in the area and planning to control nearby oil fields.
How many Russians have died in Syria?How many Russians have died in Syria?
According to the Russian defence ministry, 44 official military personnel have died in Syria.According to the Russian defence ministry, 44 official military personnel have died in Syria.
The number of dead private military contractors remains unknown.The number of dead private military contractors remains unknown.
A Reuters investigation showed that at least 131 Russians died in Syria in the first nine months of 2017 - a number thought to include private military contractors.A Reuters investigation showed that at least 131 Russians died in Syria in the first nine months of 2017 - a number thought to include private military contractors.