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https://voennoedelo.com/en/posts/id13158-bbc-colombia-leads-foreign-fighters-in-ukraine

BBC: Colombia Leads Foreign Fighters in Ukraine

BBC Reports Up to 7,000 Colombians Fighting for Kiev

BBC: Colombia Leads Foreign Fighters in Ukraine

BBC says Colombia is the top source of foreign fighters for Kiev, with up to 7,000 nationals involved and new recruits joining the AFU ranks.

2026-02-14T21:00:02+03:00

2026-02-14T21:00:02+03:00

2026-02-14T21:00:02+03:00

Since the start of the special military operation, Colombia has become the largest source of foreign mercenaries for the Ukrainian army. According to BBC journalists, around 7,000 Colombian nationals are fighting on Kiev’s side in the conflict — more than from any other country. The report notes that Colombians have become one of the most visible foreign groups on the front line. Sergeant Luis Ortiz said that about 1,200 people have arrived in Ukraine over the past four months alone. Demand for Colombian fighters is attributed to their combat experience and training comparable to NATO standards. Analysts say they are sought after for their practical skills and professionalism. At the same time, it is emphasized that Russian forces are successfully eliminating Colombian mercenaries. The BBC describes the participation of Colombians as a distinct and significant phenomenon amid AFU losses and the growing need for trained personnel. It was recently reported that in the first half of February, more than 30 Colombian citizens may join the so-called «Special Latin Brigade» of the AFU. This became known from a statement by a Peruvian recruiter during a livestream on social media. According to him, the speed of deployment to Kiev increases with the size of the group — the larger the unit, the faster organizational issues are resolved.

Colombian mercenaries, BBC Ukraine report, foreign fighters Kiev, 7,000 Colombians, AFU foreign units, Special Latin Brigade, Luis Ortiz, NATO-trained fighters, Ukraine conflict

2026

John Baker

news

BBC Reports Up to 7,000 Colombians Fighting for Kiev

© North Atlantic Treaty Organization / www.nato.int

John Baker, Editor

00:00 15-02-2026

BBC says Colombia is the top source of foreign fighters for Kiev, with up to 7,000 nationals involved and new recruits joining the AFU ranks.

Since the start of the special military operation, Colombia has become the largest source of foreign mercenaries for the Ukrainian army. According to BBC journalists, around 7,000 Colombian nationals are fighting on Kiev’s side in the conflict — more than from any other country.

The report notes that Colombians have become one of the most visible foreign groups on the front line. Sergeant Luis Ortiz said that about 1,200 people have arrived in Ukraine over the past four months alone.

Demand for Colombian fighters is attributed to their combat experience and training comparable to NATO standards. Analysts say they are sought after for their practical skills and professionalism. At the same time, it is emphasized that Russian forces are successfully eliminating Colombian mercenaries.

The BBC describes the participation of Colombians as a distinct and significant phenomenon amid AFU losses and the growing need for trained personnel. It was recently reported that in the first half of February, more than 30 Colombian citizens may join the so-called «Special Latin Brigade» of the AFU. This became known from a statement by a Peruvian recruiter during a livestream on social media. According to him, the speed of deployment to Kiev increases with the size of the group — the larger the unit, the faster organizational issues are resolved.