Ukraine Enlists 2,000 Colombians to Reinforce Front Lines Against Russia: “My fighters fulfill their duties — and very successfully. I try to convey to them that they are accomplishing something great here, something that affects us all.”
It seems Ukraine is now actively recruiting Colombians, and the numbers are significant – 2,000 strong. This move highlights a growing trend: a country facing manpower shortages turning to foreign fighters to bolster its ranks. The context here is the ongoing war against Russia, and the need to maintain a strong presence on the front lines. The comment from the field, “My fighters fulfill their duties — and very successfully.… Continue reading
According to Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR), at least 1,076 Cuban nationals are fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with 96 confirmed deaths or disappearances. These figures align with the lower end of a U.S. estimate, revealing that recruits receive only two weeks of training before deployment. Cuban nationals are reportedly lured to Russia with promises of construction work, then offered military service contracts in Russian. Cuba denies involvement in the war, claiming the U.S. is making “false accusations,” despite reports of generous payments and citizenship offers to these fighters from Russia.
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According to a U.S. State Department cable, Cuba has become a significant contributor of foreign troops to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with an estimated 1,000 to 5,000 Cuban fighters involved. This information was shared as part of a U.S. effort to counter a United Nations resolution calling for the lifting of the U.S. embargo on Cuba. While the U.S. declined to provide further details, it acknowledged reports of Cuban fighters serving with Russian forces. Russia has been actively recruiting foreign fighters, including from Cuba, offering incentives such as generous payments and citizenship. This comes as Cuba and Russia continue to strengthen their ties.
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Authorities in Kenya have disrupted a human trafficking ring, rescuing over 20 Kenyans who were lured with false job offers in Russia, but were intended to be sent to fight in Ukraine. Police raided an apartment where 22 individuals were discovered awaiting processing, seizing recruitment materials and travel documents, and have arrested a suspect accused of coordinating the victims’ travel. The victims reported signing contracts and paying deposits for visas and other logistics, with some returning home injured or traumatized, while others never make it back. This operation comes amid growing concerns over Kenyans being trafficked abroad with similar false promises, and follows reports of Kenyan nationals held as prisoners of war in Ukraine.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on August 4th that foreign mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and several African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces near Vovchansk, Kharkiv Oblast. This statement was based on reports from Ukrainian soldiers defending the area, which has seen intense fighting since Russia’s offensive in May 2024. Zelensky discussed battlefield conditions, troop requirements, and combat operations, including drone use and brigade funding, during a visit to the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade. Notably, reports indicate Russia has been actively recruiting foreign nationals, with China denying involvement despite evidence of Chinese nationals fighting on the Russian side.
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Zelensky Proposes Ukrainian Citizenship For Foreign Fighters
As I read about President Zelensky’s proposal to offer Ukrainian citizenship to foreign fighters, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of admiration and curiosity. It reminded me of France’s foreign legion, where joining and shedding blood for the country can lead to citizenship. The concept of becoming a citizen of a country you are willing to die for seems like a fair reward for those brave individuals. And while I understand that not many would join a bloody war solely for the purpose of obtaining Ukrainian citizenship, it is still commendable that Ukraine recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices made by foreign volunteers.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker