They could be part of neo-colonialism, if Russia was actively dominating and exploiting these countries financially in a manner that goes beyond trade. However, I have not seen any evidence of that, just the presence of mercenaries. Western millitaries and mercenaries are not neocolonialism itself, but the means by which neocolonialism is maintained when IMF loans and other financial tools are not sufficient.
They could be part of neo-colonialism, if Russia was actively dominating and exploiting these countries financially in a manner that goes beyond trade. However, I have not seen any evidence of that, just the presence of mercenaries. Western millitaries and mercenaries are not neocolonialism itself, but the means by which neocolonialism is maintained when IMF loans and other financial tools are not sufficient.