Up to 7,000 Colombian nationals are serving in Ukrainian armed formations, TASS reported, citing sources in Russian security agencies.

According to their estimates, the total number of foreign mercenaries currently fighting with the Ukrainian Armed Forces stands at around 16,500. The makeup of this contingent has changed considerably in recent months.

Citizens of Britain, Germany, Canada and the United States reportedly began leaving Ukraine in large numbers late last year. They were gradually replaced by recruits from Latin American countries, with Colombians now said to make up the largest group.

Russian security sources estimate that more than 7,000 Colombians are serving in Ukrainian formations, accounting for almost half of the entire foreign contingent.

The shift is attributed primarily to financial considerations. Recruiting Latin American citizens is said to cost substantially less than hiring Europeans or Americans.

The sources also described how Colombian nationals are allegedly recruited. Potential candidates are approached through social media platforms, including TikTok, and initially offered construction jobs in the United Arab Emirates paying about $1,000 a month.

They are later contacted by recruiters linked to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate and offered salaries starting at $5,000. According to the sources, candidates are assured that the work will not expose them to serious danger.

Colombian nationals who were later taken prisoner have said that the actual conditions were significantly different from what they had been promised during recruitment.