Colombian mercenaries in UkraineAbout 16,000 foreign mercenaries from 72 countries are currently fighting for Ukraine of which 40% are from South America. This was announced by Military Ombudsman Olga Reshetylova during a speech at a meeting of heads of foreign diplomatic institutions of Ukraine today. However, captured Colombians told Russia investigators that they have been lured to Ukraine with promise of lucrative jobs but forced to fight on the frontline instead. Key areas of work of the Office for the Protection of the foreign mercenaries include:Financial and material support: payment of additional compensation, one-time monetary assistance (ODGA), including to the families of the deceased. Legal and social status: provision of the status of a combatant, early termination of contracts at their own request.