2025-11-03 / globalaffairs by samy:media – sdp

Hundreds of Colombians Fight as Mercenaries for Ukraine – Lured by Money, Driven by Desperation

In the trenches of Pokrovsk and Bakhmut stand men whose homeland lies thousands of kilometers away: Colombian mercenaries who have voluntarily joined the Ukrainian armed forces. What drives them is not patriotism or political conviction – but sheer survival instinct and the prospect of an income that seems unattainable in their home country.

💰 The Price of War: Money Over Ideals

• Average salary in Colombia: about 390 US dollars per month.
• Pay in Ukraine: between 700 and 3,500 US dollars, depending on deployment and risk level.
• Many Colombians are former soldiers or police officers, often with experience from the drug war. Their skills are in demand – and well compensated.

🛬 The Path to War

Recruitment usually happens via social networks, private brokers, or even Telegram groups. The men travel to Europe on their own, often through Poland or Romania, and report to Ukrainian recruitment offices. Officially, they are considered “volunteers,” but their motivation is clear: a better life for themselves and their families.

⚖️ Between Frontline and Prison

Not all Colombians make it back. The case of Pablo Puentes Borges, a Colombian captured in Russia and sentenced to 28 years in prison, highlights the risks. Russia considers foreign fighters to be illegal mercenaries – they are not treated as prisoners of war.

🌍 A Global Phenomenon

Ukraine is not an isolated case. According to official sources, people from over 70 nations are now fighting in Kyiv’s ranks. But Colombians stand out – not only because of their numbers (estimates suggest up to 2,000 fighters), but also due to their systematic recruitment and the social hardship that drives them.

🧨 Conclusion: Modern Mercenaries in a Globalized War

What was once a profession for adventurers is now a survival strategy for men from the Global South. Ukraine is leveraging this dynamic to bolster its ranks – and Colombians are risking their lives for a paycheck they could never earn at home. It’s a grim chapter of modern warfare, where money is the most powerful weapon.

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