Colombians in Ukraine: The Human Cost of the Russian Invasion

Colombian Luis Javier Cardona Isaza, originally from Pereira, died in the conflict between Kyiv and Moscow after joining the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine. The Legion mourned his death in an obituary, stating: “Our dear Colombian brother, who served as a volunteer, succumbed on the battlefield.” The Russian Embassy in South Africa reported on July 9, via their X account (formerly Twitter), that Cardona Isaza was killed by Russian forces in the Zaporizhzhia region.

“Understand that you are coming to a war. This is not a vacation,” warned a Colombian mercenary on social media. In his message, he emphasized that while some have the chance to return home, others are not so fortunate. His statement gained attention recently after revealing the salary combatants earn for fighting against Russia, which can reach $19 million per month. Despite the financial allure, he stressed the dangers they face: “It’s good, but remember, you’re also coming to lose your life (…). Understand that you are coming to a war. This is not a vacation.”