The ministry stated on its ‘X’ site, ‘Colombian criminal networks deceive citizens, turning them into mercenaries who fight battles on behalf of other nations in foreign wars. This practice leads to human rights violations and undermines international stability. Therefore, we, the defense sector, seek to ratify the international convention on their use, financing, and training, which will enable us to combat this terrible evil more effectively.’ The ministry added that banning mercenary activities will criminalize the recruitment, use, financing, and training of mercenaries, protect the image of the Colombian armed forces, and enhance international cooperation in investigating and prosecuting mercenary-related cases. ‘The Anti-Mercenary Recruitment Law is about to become a tangible reality.’ The Russian Defense Ministry has repeatedly accused the Kiev government of using foreign fighters as ‘ammo,’ warning that the Russian army will continue to target mercenary forces throughout Ukraine. Colombian mercenaries have complained about poor coordination within the Ukrainian armed forces, making survival in the high-intensity conflict in Ukraine much more difficult than in Afghanistan or the Middle East.
