DW: More Than 20 Thousand Foreign Volunteers Serve In The AFU
1- 21.03.2026, 16:47
- 1,782
The number is expected to grow.
Ukraine has set a course for more active involvement of foreign volunteers in the Armed Forces. Currently, about 20 thousand foreigners are fighting on the side of Ukraine - this is about 2% of the total number of the Defense Forces. It is expected that their number will grow.
About this writes DW with reference to sources in the AFU, intelligence and the National Guard.
The publication notes that Ukraine is also making efforts to recruit volunteers abroad. At the same time, the most effective mechanism has become the so-called "word of mouth".
According to DW's interlocutors in military units, those who came to fight for ideological reasons often invite others, while experienced soldiers bring former colleagues.
A particularly notable group among foreign fighters are volunteers from Colombia. According to sources, they have arrived in much greater numbers compared to other countries.
At the same time, their combat experience often does not correspond to the realities of the war in Ukraine, as they have previously fought in conditions of confrontation with guerrillas and drug cartels in the jungle.
The head of the department for coordination of military service of foreigners in the AFU Ground Forces, Konstantin Milevsky, noted that approaches to attracting foreigners require certain adjustments.
According to him, it is important that volunteers perceive the service not only as an income, but also understand the purpose of the war and can integrate into Ukrainian society.
"We will do everything possible to make them feel the purpose of this war, see Ukraine as a place where you can not only get experience, but also stay to live," he said in comments to DW.
Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims
You can contact us by the e-mail [email protected]
