Yes, there are still mercenaries operating today, although they are often referred to as private military contractors or security contractors. These individuals or companies are hired by governments, private companies, or other organizations to provide military or security services. They often operate in conflict zones or areas with high security risks, and their use is a subject of controversy and debate in international law and ethics. **

Yes, there have been reports of Russian mercenaries operating in Mali. These mercenaries are believed to be working for the Wagner Group, a private military company with close ties to the Russian government. Their presence in Mali has raised concerns about their role in the country's ongoing conflict and their impact on the security situation. The Russian government has denied any official involvement in the deployment of mercenaries to Mali. **

Mercenaries were called artisans of death because they were skilled and experienced in the art of warfare and killing. They were often hired for their expertise in combat and their ability to carry out deadly missions. Like artisans who craft and create with precision, mercenaries were seen as craftsmen of death, using their skills to carry out acts of violence and destruction on behalf of their employers. Their proficiency in warfare and their willingness to engage in lethal activities earned them this grim title. **

No, foreign legionnaires are not the same as mercenaries. Foreign legionnaires are members of the French Foreign Legion, a branch of the French Army composed of foreign nationals who serve under the French flag. They are not considered mercenaries because they are part of a formal military organization and are subject to military discipline and regulations. Mercenaries, on the other hand, are individuals who are hired to fight in armed conflicts for financial gain and are not part of any official military force. **

No, fire-breathing dragons would not be biologically possible. The ability to breathe fire would require a biological mechanism to produce and expel a flammable substance, as well as a way to ignite it. There are no known biological systems that could accomplish this, and the energy required to produce and expel fire would be impractical for a living organism. Additionally, the heat and pressure from breathing fire would likely be harmful to the dragon's own body. Therefore, fire-breathing dragons are purely a product of mythology and fiction. **

Mercenaries are often referred to as "artisans of death" because they are skilled and experienced in the art of warfare and killing. They are hired to carry out acts of violence and destruction, and their expertise in combat and tactics makes them highly effective in their deadly trade. Like artisans who craft and create with skill and precision, mercenaries are adept at carrying out their lethal work with precision and expertise, earning them the grim title of "artisans of death." **

Mercenaries typically earn higher wages in Russia compared to Ukraine. This is due to the fact that Russia has a larger defense budget and more resources to pay mercenaries higher salaries. Additionally, Russia is known to be involved in more military conflicts and operations where mercenaries are in demand, leading to higher wages being offered to attract skilled fighters. Ukraine, on the other hand, has a smaller defense budget and fewer military operations, resulting in lower wages for mercenaries. **

Mercenaries typically receive higher pay in Russia compared to Ukraine. Russia has a larger defense budget and is known to have more resources available for hiring mercenaries. Additionally, Russia has been involved in various military conflicts, both domestically and internationally, which has created a demand for mercenaries and subsequently higher pay. Ukraine, on the other hand, has a smaller defense budget and is generally not as active in hiring mercenaries compared to Russia. **