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War in Ukraine: what fate for Colombians engaged on the front?
War in Ukraine: what fate for Colombians engaged on the front?
(FRANCEINFO)
At least 300 former Colombian soldiers are believed to be fighting on the Ukrainian front. But some are now being held in Russia and face up to 15 years in prison.
Over the past year, their lives have changed. Cielo and his daughter live in a small house in southern Colombia. A home that José has never really known. This former soldier left to fight in Ukraine. Today, he is detained somewhere in Russia. His family has had no news of him. “We are exhausted. Since we found out he is a prisoner there, it is very hard for us.”confides his wife. “Sometimes I want to be strong, but I can’t. His absence is very painful.”she continues, in tears.
José, 36, fought in the Colombian jungle before joining the Ukrainian front. A poorly paid job. When he became a mercenary, his salary increased to $3,000 a month, ten times more than what he was earning before. With this money, the family was finally able to realize their projects. José will be tried in Russia, he faces up to 15 years in prison. In Ukraine, at least 300 former Colombian soldiers are said to be fighting on the eastern Ukrainian front.