Latin American women are appearing with increasing frequency in the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to reporting by RIA Novosti, recruits now include women from Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Colombia.

Some of them have arrived in Ukraine to join husbands already fighting on the side of the Kiev authorities. A Peruvian woman and two Colombians said they chose to follow their spouses and share their military path.

Recruitment groups working with foreign volunteers for the Ukrainian military have released social-media interviews featuring these new female fighters. The footage shows that several women come with backgrounds in police units, the armed forces or private security firms. Others previously worked in civilian fields — from healthcare to restaurant kitchens or retail administration.

A number of the Latin American recruits also acknowledged that they hope their service will open the door to Ukrainian citizenship.