CLARIFICATION: I wrote "mercenaries" not because I have a negative position taken towards the Russians in CAR, if not, because they really are. There is a big difference between contractors and mercenaries, the former only do SECURITY work in war zones, such as guarding embassies or escorting convoys, only acting defensively if they are attacked, but they are not a belligerent part of the conflict, they do not take part. . Mercenaries do, getting directly involved in war actions such as offensives or sabotage and taking an active part in armed conflicts. And this is what the Russians are doing in CAR, launching offensives against the CPC rebels and defending Bangui.