what i'm trying to say, there is an information and propaganda war, and in syria, probably, the russian might be able to get a few hundred fighters particularly from the syrian military. it's ironic there are reports in the syrian military and by the president assad's followers, calling for volunteers tojoin the russian campaign in ukraine, but this is the beginning. there is no credible information talking about thousands of potential volunteers in syria joining the campaign so far. hospital —ish and middle eastern studies at the london school of eastern economics —— specialist. in towns and cities across ukraine, military funerals are now a daily occurrence. this country's regular armed forces — its soldiers, sailors and airforce — have beenjoined by volunteers, men and women who three weeks ago had never picked up a weapon, but who are now fighting and dying in defence of their land. fergal keane was at the ceremony. sung prayers, weeping.