Speaking to Russian state media, a Russian Armed Forces officer has provided details on the composition of adversary forces in the Sumy region, at a time of intensifying hostilities as Russian Army units have advanced within 20 kilometers of the regional capital.
Contractors from Colombia and Poland have been reported to be playing a particularly important role in the theater. Naturally, foreign mercenaries, too, are active in the Sumy direction.
They are mostly illegal Colombian workers, and there are also nationals of other Latin American countries, the officer noted, adding that there were also natives of Great Britain, Poland and even Japan involved.
Foreign forces have played a central role in the Ukrainian war effort from its outset in February 2022, including not only contractors, but also active duty personnel such as the British Royal Marines, as well as ideological volunteer units such as the Georgian Legion and Polish Volunteer Corps.
Although British volunteers have played significant roles in units such as the Georgian Legion, while volunteer combatants from Japan and South Korea have been involved in hostilities in limited numbers.
However, the bulk of armed personnel contributions have come from Eastern European and Latin American states.
Military Watch Magazine / ABC Flash Point News 2025.