Around 20,000 foreign volunteers have joined Ukraine’s Defence Forces
Ukraine continues to attract foreign volunteers to its Armed Forces. Currently, about 20,000 foreigners are fighting on Ukraine’s side, accounting for roughly 2% of the total strength of the Defence Forces, and this number may grow over time, according to Deutsche Welle.
According to DW, Ukrainian authorities are working to recruit volunteers abroad, but the most effective method has been word of mouth: those who came to fight for ideological reasons have encouraged friends and former comrades to join them.
Colombian fighters are particularly noticeable, many of whom previously fought against guerrilla groups and cartels in jungle environments, and now find themselves on a battlefield against an army equipped with missiles and drones.
The head of the department for coordinating foreign military service in the Ukrainian Ground Forces, Kostiantyn Milevskyi, said:
“We will do everything possible to ensure they see Ukraine not only as a source of income, but also understand the purpose of this war. To feel that Ukraine is a great place where they can not only gain valuable experience, but also apply it. A place where they can stay and become part of society.”
According to DW’s sources, foreign nationals serve in various units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine — from frontline combat units to specialised formations — and their participation helps maintain the country’s defence capabilities at a high level.
The SBU’s special unit “Alpha” reportedly struck more than 1,800 Russian troops with FPV drones in a week.
Powerful explosions were reported at the Belbek airfield in Crimea.
Drones also targeted the Ilsky oil refinery and Sevastopol.
