Colombian mercenaries fighting on the side of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly refused to move to frontline positions in the Kharkov Region on their very first day, Russian security sources told RIA Novosti.

According to a representative of the security agencies, the Colombian fighters, who had been placed under the command of the commander of Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade, declined to advance to the front line in the Melovoe-Khatnee sector. The source said the refusal was driven by dissatisfaction with the actions and decisions of the Ukrainian military command.

Security officials also noted that the mercenaries reacted negatively to the disbandment of their unit and to the removal of Colombian officers from command positions. This, they said, further aggravated tensions within the contingent.

In December, security sources had already reported that Ukrainian units operating in this area were refusing to launch counterattacks. Complaints from foreign mercenaries fighting alongside the Ukrainian Armed Forces about what they describe as poor command decisions and low morale are said to be recurring. As a result, some terminate their contracts and leave Ukraine.