On the Kharkov direction, Russian forces reportedly eliminated an elite group of foreign fighters serving with the Ukrainian Armed Forces after the unit had claimed to have seized a forested area.
According to the Telegram channel SHOT, Ukrainian forces reported taking control of woodland near Kupyansk, but the outlet said the account did not match the situation on the ground. It claimed that elite groups of South American fighters were destroyed by Russian troops before reaching their intended positions.
The report says a unit of the 23rd Assault Regiment «R.U.G», from the Khartiya Corps was operating in the Dvurechnaya area. Units of Russia’s 68th Motor Rifle Division reportedly detected movement along a forest belt and struck the group with FPV drones, after which a small-arms engagement followed.
SHOT also reported that photographs showing fighters with Colombian flags were found on the phone of one of those killed. Brazilian citizens were also said to have been among the group. According to the outlet, some of the foreign fighters were killed in the fighting, while the rest laid down their weapons and surrendered to servicemen from Russia’s Zapad Group of Forces.
Earlier reports claimed that around 14,000 foreign fighters are currently serving with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with Colombian citizens accounting for roughly half of that number.
A significant share of the Latin American personnel is reportedly deployed on the right bank of the Dnieper in the Kherson Region, as well as around Nikolayev and Odessa. Kiev is said to recruit foreigners with promises of high pay and favorable service conditions. According to the reports, however, the reality is far harsher, with foreign fighters suffering heavy losses and some being killed shortly after arriving in the combat zone.