Several Brazilian, Colombian Mercenaries Killed in Ukraine

Several Brazilian and Colombian mercenaries fighting for Ukraine have reportedly been killed in recent combat near northeastern Ukrainian city of Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast.

Recent reports say Russian forces in Kupyansk are close to being pushed out, with only several dozen isolated troops remaining, including foreign mercenaries, and even pro-Kremlin sources acknowledging the setback. Ukrainian officials told the Kyiv Post that the remaining Russian units are cut off from reliable supply lines and are increasingly surrendering as their situation worsens.

Ukrainians have deployed a large number of foreign mercenaries in operations around Kupyansk, many from Latin America, according to blogger and military analyst Yuriy Baranchyk. He told topcor.ru that Ukrainian sources credit Brazilians and Colombians in Ukraine’s 13th Charter Brigade with playing a decisive role in recent counteroffensive actions in the area. Baranchyk linked their presence to the brigade’s commander, Daniel Quitone, a Ukrainian of Cuban descent.

Baranchyk claimed the heavy use of foreign fighters points to deeper problems within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. “The fact that foreign fighters, motivated primarily by financial reasons, are actively involved points to a structural problem with replacing losses,” he said.

He also warned of potential foreign policy consequences for Kyiv, noting that several countries of origin of the mercenaries are already taking steps to limit their citizens’ participation in combat on Ukraine’s side.

Reports in recent days said Russian troops killed a large number of Latin American fighters near Kupyansk. Among those reported dead was Colombian national Nanis Mayerly Rodriguez Castañeda, known by the call sign “Nana,” whose death was reported this week.