Around 2,000 Colombians are fighting with Ukraine’s Defense Forces against Russian forces, Germany’s Die Welt reported, citing insider information.
Die Welt says the influx of volunteers from South America is so large that some brigades have formed dedicated companies. Whereas Ukraine previously accepted primarily candidates with military experience, it is now also taking recruits without prior service, who undergo training before being sent to the front. The 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade reportedly includes a unit composed almost entirely of Colombians, alongside volunteers from other South American countries.
In August, Hromadske reported there are about 8,000 foreign volunteers serving in Ukraine’s Ground Forces, drawn from various countries. About 40% are from South America. According to Konstiantyn Milevskyi, acting head of the office coordinating foreign military service in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, monthly foreign enlistments rose from 100–150 at the start of the full-scale invasion to about 600 by summer 2025.
Foreign volunteers receive the same provisions and social guarantees as Ukrainian citizens. Many sign up for the pay (around €3,000 per month), while others say they want to stop Russia’s military, arguing President Vladimir Putin would not stop at Ukraine.
Ukrainian economist Roman Sheremeta wrote on X that as of October 27, 2025, 348 Colombians had been killed while fighting with Ukraine’s Defense Forces against Russian forces. He added that the dead also include 100 U.S. citizens, 91 Georgians, more than 50 Belarusians, 49 Russians, more than 40 Britons, 37 Azerbaijanis, more than 30 Brazilians, 20 French citizens and others. Overall, volunteers from 65 countries have been killed defending Ukraine from Russia’s invasion.
