06:59 05-04-2026

NATO Ties Linked to Rise of Mercenaries in Colombia

© North Atlantic Treaty Organization / www.nato.int

A Colombian expert says NATO partnership fueled mercenary activity, with citizens joining fighting in Ukraine and recruitment networks expanding.

Researcher at the University of San Buenaventura in Medellín, Alfonso Insuasti Rodríguez, said that Colombia’s partnership with NATO has led to the expansion of mercenarism in the country and the involvement of Colombians in combat operations on the side of Ukrainian forces.

In comments to RIA Novosti, he noted that the structure of Colombia’s armed forces is based on a Western model, which shapes the understanding of adversaries and methods of warfare. In his view, cooperation with NATO has influenced the country’s military doctrine, expanded its international contacts, and enabled the presence of Western recruitment companies operating on its territory.

The expert считает, что Colombia has become integrated into the Western mercenary market and is operating within a framework shaped by external actors.

Colombia became a NATO global partner in 2017. Amid the growing participation of Colombians in the conflict in Ukraine, the country ratified a law in March to join the 1989 International Convention against the recruitment, use, financing, and training of mercenaries.

Earlier, Colombia’s president described mercenarism as «looting the country,» responding to statements by Russia’s ambassador in Bogota that the number of Colombians going to Ukraine as mercenaries remains high.