Ukraine (26 Viewers)

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Ukraine is moving forward, russia is regressing. Let's compare....Ukraine's technology and innovation in drones and anti-drone technology vs russia's technology and innovation (tech purchased from NK, Iran, etc.) (using donkeys, motorcycles, golf carts, refurb WWII tanks, computer chips stolen from dishwashers). Still wonder who will win this?
 
nolaspe said:
euromaidanpress.com

Colombian fighters help Ukraine dig Russians out of trenches

Colombian fighters helped Ukraine retake Russian trenches in Kursk, clearing bunkers with drones, grenades, and intense forest combat.
euromaidanpress.com euromaidanpress.com
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I asked Grok the Twitter AI about these Colombian fighters. I asked it:

I would like to know more about the Colombian fighters. What can you find out from reputable news sources? When did they arrive, how many troops, and are more Colombians going to arrive?​



Given your interest in the Colombian fighters mentioned in the Euromaidan Press article (https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/06/29/colombian-fighters-ukraine-russian-trenches-kursk/) and the current date and time of 09:39 PM PDT on Sunday, June 29, 2025, I’ll compile information from reputable news sources available up to this point. My analysis will focus on when they arrived, the number of troops involved, and whether more Colombians are expected to arrive, drawing from a range of credible outlets like AP News, Kyiv Post, CEPA, and others, while cross-referencing with the latest updates. Since my knowledge is continuously updated, I’ll include data as recent as possible within this timeframe.

When Did They Arrive?
  • Initial Arrivals: The earliest documented arrivals of Colombian fighters in Ukraine date back to mid-2023. According to AP News (published February 9, 2024, updated through June 2025 archives), Colombian veterans began joining the Ukrainian army in significant numbers starting in June 2023, with individuals like "Checho" arriving at that time. CEPA.org (October 9, 2024) specifically mentions a fighter named Robinson ("Maverick") arriving in June 2023, motivated by ideological reasons.
  • Subsequent Waves: Kyiv Post (February 3, 2025) reports that the Colombian contingent grew over time, with arrivals continuing into late 2023 and early 2024. For instance, a soldier named Lufan arrived in December 2023, as noted by CEPA. The Euromaidan Press article (June 29, 2025) implies ongoing presence, with the recent Kursk operation suggesting reinforcements or sustained deployment since at least early 2025.
  • Latest Context: The AP News update (June 25, 2025) indicates that Colombian fighters have been active throughout 2024, with some units rotating through hospitals in Kyiv after engagements in Donetsk. The Kursk action reported today suggests a recent deployment or redeployment to the Russian border, likely within the past month (May-June 2025), aligning with the escalated Ukrainian offensive in that region.
How Many Troops?
  • Estimates at Peak: Kyiv Post (February 3, 2025) cites a Colombian soldier estimating a peak of 1,000 to 2,000 Colombians fighting in Ukraine, though Ukrainian soldiers suggest a more realistic figure of "several hundred." AP News (February 9, 2024, with June 2025 updates) corroborates this, noting "hundreds" of Colombian veterans, with over 50 treated together in a Kyiv hospital in early 2024. CEPA.org (October 9, 2024) reports over 2,000 have served, with around 80 killed, implying a fluctuating but significant presence.
  • Current Numbers: The Euromaidan Press article (June 29, 2025) doesn’t provide an exact count but describes a "coordinated unit" of Colombians in Kursk, supported by Ukrainian drones, suggesting a smaller, specialized force—likely 20-50 fighters per the Kyiv Post’s note of a 20-Colombian company within an 80-fighter unit at its peak. Reuters (June 20, 2025) estimates around 300-400 Colombian volunteers remain active as of mid-June 2025, reflecting attrition and rotations.
  • Casualties and Attrition: CEPA notes 80 deaths, and AP mentions missing soldiers like Oscar Arley Triana (disappeared October 2023), indicating a high casualty rate that has reduced the active force over time.
Are More Colombians Going to Arrive?
  • Current Trends: There’s no definitive evidence from reputable sources as of 09:39 PM PDT on June 29, 2025, confirming new large-scale arrivals. Kyiv Post (February 3, 2025) reports that some Colombian soldiers have departed Ukraine, with a few detained in Venezuela and extradited to Russia, suggesting a cooling of recruitment. Reuters (June 20, 2025) notes a decline in new volunteers, with many citing exhaustion or family pressure after two years of conflict.
  • Ukrainian Policy: Ukraine allows foreign volunteers, including Colombians, to sign six-month contracts (vs. three years for Ukrainian conscripts), paying $3,000-$4,000 monthly (CEPA, October 9, 2024). This incentive might still attract individuals, but no recent announcements from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (as per their June 28, 2025, press release) indicate a new recruitment drive targeting Colombians.
  • Expert Analysis: Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW, June 27, 2025) suggest Ukraine is shifting focus to domestic mobilization due to manpower shortages, potentially reducing reliance on foreign fighters like Colombians. However, the success of the Kursk operation (Euromaidan Press, June 29) might prompt a reevaluation, though no concrete plans for additional Colombian deployments are confirmed.
  • Speculative Indicators: Social media (e.g., X posts from @UkraineWarLive, June 28, 2025) and Colombian diaspora forums hint at small groups still considering joining, but official channels (e.g., Colombian embassy statements, June 25, 2025) warn against it due to legal risks (e.g., mercenary charges in Russia).
 
Ukraine and several other European countries withdraw from the Ottawa Convention on landmines. Ukraine hasn't yet announced that they are going to start using landmines, but why would they withdraw from the Ottawa Convention if they weren't going to start using them on the Russians.



www.ukrinform.net

Zelensky: In defense, anti-personnel mines often have no alternative

Anti-personnel mines are a tool that very often has no alternative when a country’s armed forces are on a defensive. — Ukrinform.
www.ukrinform.net www.ukrinform.net

www.ukrinform.net

MFA explains Ukraine's decision to withdraw from Ottawa Convention

Ukraine has adhered to the provisions of the Ottawa Convention for 20 years. However, Russia’s large-scale use of anti-personnel mines—despite not being a signatory to the treaty—has created an asymmetric advantage on the battlefield. — Ukrinform.
www.ukrinform.net www.ukrinform.net
 
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Sailorsaint said:
Ukraine is moving forward, russia is regressing. ... Still wonder who will win this?
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All recent signs point to Russia winning this. People matter more than clever tech and Ukraine will run out first. Without the USA, what realistic hope does Ukraine have?
 
Consigliere said:
All recent signs point to Russia winning this. People matter more than clever tech and Ukraine will run out first. Without the USA, what realistic hope does Ukraine have?
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By end of year, Ukraine will be producing 4.5mm drones per year.

So unless Russia has 4.5mm more men to toss into the grinder, they are struggling to keep lines.

Their Sumy advance has failed and Ukraine is currently regaining territory/settlements back to the border.

I think the general thought is at some point, Russian citizens will tire of the conflict that has taken over 1,000,000 Russians ( kia/wia ) decimated their economy, and they will revolt.
Will it happen before 2mm Russians gone? who knows. But til then, the drones will keep flying, keep removing RuAF and Ukraine will hold the line.
 
efil4stnias said:
I think the general thought is at some point, Russian citizens will tire ... and they will revolt...
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That is the general hope, not the general thought.

And I hope you're right.

But who cares what the Russian people "tire" of? Certainly not Putin, and he has killed anybody who might lead a "revolt" over there.

The word "Russian" is synonymous with "people tired of their boring and crappy life so they drink more vodka and die" and that's the only thing they are going to do for the next three years, drink more vodka and die. I doubt Ukraine can last that long without the USA.
 
Consigliere said:
But who cares what the Russian people "tire" of? Certainly not Putin, and he has killed anybody who might lead a "revolt" over there.
Click to expand...
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the risk unhappy troops start killing officers trying to keep troops on the lines. After enough, no one is there to stop em from walking home with their rifles.
 
efil4stnias said:
By end of year, Ukraine will be producing 4.5mm drones per year.

So unless Russia has 4.5mm more men to toss into the grinder, they are struggling to keep lines.

Their Sumy advance has failed and Ukraine is currently regaining territory/settlements back to the border.

I think the general thought is at some point, Russian citizens will tire of the conflict that has taken over 1,000,000 Russians ( kia/wia ) decimated their economy, and they will revolt.
Will it happen before 2mm Russians gone? who knows. But til then, the drones will keep flying, keep removing RuAF and Ukraine will hold the line.
Click to expand...
4.5 mm sounds quite tiny
 

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