# Colombian volunteers in Ukraine war > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colombian-volunteers-in-ukraine-war > Updated: 2026-09-05T21:26:53.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 7. Following reports in late July 2026 that thousands of Colombians had joined the Ukrainian armed forces, the flow of volunteers continued into August. Most came from prior service as soldiers or police and were drawn by pay that far exceeds opportunities at home, while a share cited solidarity with Ukraine or a desire to return to combat. They are assigned to the 31st Mechanized Brigade near Dnipro, where Ukrainian officials say their nationality is secondary to capability and language barriers have been largely overcome on the battlefield. Ukraine’s military ombudsman, Olha Reshetilova, announced that roughly 16,000 foreign volunteers from at least 72 countries are now serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with about 40% coming from Latin America. A dedicated working group has been established to manage the rights and interests of foreign soldiers, having received more than 300 complaints regarding pay, health care, and status. Kyiv has expressed intentions to increase the proportion of foreign personnel in assault and infantry units to as much as 50% to address manpower shortages. However, reports indicate high casualty rates for some foreign recruits in sectors such as Kupyansk and Kharkiv, with some fighters killed during early missions after minimal training. Recent casualty lists from late August include numerous Colombian citizens, particularly those assigned to the 23rd ‘RUG’ Assault Regiment of the Khartia Brigade. Recruitment often utilizes social media to promise monthly wages averaging around $6,700. Russian authorities have denied claims that Moscow is recruiting Colombian mercenaries. The Russian embassy in Colombia rejected an investigation by Noticias Caracol alleging recruitment networks, stating it had ‘no relation with the recruiters mentioned in the report, nor the slightest idea of how they finance their activities.’ ## Claims - Russia's embassy in Colombia denied having ties to recruitment networks of Colombian mercenaries for the war in Ukraine. (disputed by 6 sources) - Noticias Caracol published an investigation alleging Moscow enlisted Colombians as part of its strategy against Kyiv. (disputed by 6 sources) - Russian forces are also recruiting fighters from Colombia. (disputed by 3 sources) - Family members of Colombians hired abroad reported mistreatment of their relatives in Russia and Ukraine. (corroborated by 6 sources) - In November, Russia sentenced two Colombians to 13 years in prison for allegedly fighting for Ukraine's armed forces. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Colombian President Gustavo Petro says at least 7,000 Colombians are fighting in Russia and Ukraine for money. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The United Nations estimated in March that at least 10,000 Colombians have been recruited abroad for armed conflicts worldwide. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Retired Colombian soldiers often struggle to find work, making them vulnerable to recruitment by mercenary forces sought by conflict‑ridden countries. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Thousands of Colombians are fighting in the Ukrainian armed forces. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Many of the Colombian fighters previously served as soldiers or police officers. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Higher pay than in Colombia is a key motivation for the fighters. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Solidarity with Ukraine is another motivation for Colombian volunteers. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Colombians serve in the 31st Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Army near Dnipro. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Colombians are among the largest groups of foreign fighters in Ukraine. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Language barriers are secondary in combat operations for the Colombian fighters. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: Colombia urges Russia and Ukraine to stop recruiting its citizens Colombia has called on Russia and Ukraine to stop recruiting its citizens, reporting over 1,700 consular requests involving deaths, disappearances, and repatriations related to the conflict. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-urges-russia-and-ukraine-to-stop-recruiting-its-citizens ### 2026-08-31: Foreign recruits face high casualties in Ukraine near Kupyansk Foreign volunteers from Latin America, primarily Colombians, are facing high casualties while serving in Ukraine's Khartia Brigade near Kupyansk. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/foreign-recruits-face-high-casualties-in-ukraine-near-kupyansk ### 2026-08-11: Ukraine relies on 16,000 foreign volunteers amid manpower shortages Ukraine utilizes approximately 16,000 foreign volunteers, with many Latin Americans serving in high-risk infantry roles facing significant casualties in combat sectors like Kupyansk. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ukraine-relies-on-16000-foreign-volunteers-amid-manpower-shortages ### 2026-08-06: Russia denies recruiting Colombian mercenaries for Ukraine war Russia’s embassy in Colombia denied links to Colombian mercenary recruitment for Ukraine. Investigations claim Moscow enlisted Colombians; families report mistreatment, and two were sentenced to 13 years. Petro 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-embassy-denies-ties-to-colombian-mercenaries-in-ukraine-conflict ### 2026-08-05: Ukraine says about 16,000 foreign volunteers are serving in its armed forces Ukraine reports about 16,000 foreign volunteers from 72 nations, 40% from Latin America, serving in its forces; a new working group seeks to protect their rights. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ukraine-says-about-16000-foreign-volunteers-are-serving-in-its-armed-forces ### 2026-08-04: Colombian Volunteers Join Ukraine’s Front Lines Thousands of Colombians fight for Ukraine, drawn by higher pay and solidarity, serving in the 31st Mechanized Brigade near Dnipro; Russia also seeks Colombian recruits. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombian-volunteers-join-ukraines-front-lines ### 2026-07-28: Colombian volunteers join Ukrainian forces, driven by higher pay and solidarity Thousands of Colombians fight for Ukraine, motivated by higher salaries and solidarity; four veterans described harsh front‑line conditions near Dnipro, and Ukraine’s 31st Mechanized Brigade values their role, 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombian-volunteers-fight-in-ukraine-for-higher-pay-and-solidarity --- Cite as: Colombian volunteers in Ukraine war. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colombian-volunteers-in-ukraine-war