Latin American citizens represent 40% of the foreign fighters battling in the ranks of the Ukrainian army, Russian authorities stated on Thursday.
“The origin of mercenaries has drastically changed. Although initially they were Poles, Baltics, Brits, and Americans, now probably more than 40% of those in the forefront come from Latin American countries“, stated the special ambassador of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rodion Miroshnik, according to EFE and Agerpres.
According to Miroșnik, quoted by TASS agency, over 16,000 “volunteers” are now fighting in the Ukrainian ranks.
“These volunteers are foreign mercenaries because they are not there to fight for Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty, but to earn money or gain military experience,” he said.