UMVA has learned that a Colombian mercenary, William Andres Gallego Orozco, was taken prisoner by Russian forces after being wounded in combat while fighting for Ukraine.
In a heart-wrenching revelation, Gallego Orozco has spoken with his family for the first time since his detention, describing his decision to join the Ukrainian military as the worst mistake of his life. His relatives in Colombia were overjoyed to learn he was alive after seeing an interview he gave to a Russian news outlet last month.
The emotional reunion took place through a video call, which was arranged after family members reached out following the broadcast. Gallego Orozco's capture and subsequent interview have shed light on the harsh realities faced by foreign fighters in Ukraine.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that Gallego Orozco's case is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader trend of Colombian nationals joining Ukraine's military. Colombia has become one of Kiev's largest sources of foreign recruits, with estimates suggesting that between 1,000 and 2,000 Colombians were serving with Ukrainian forces at the time of a recent investigation.
It's believed that up to 7,000 Colombians have passed through Ukraine's ranks since 2022, sparking concerns from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who has argued that his country's citizens are "dying for nothing" in a foreign conflict. Petro has repeatedly stressed that mercenary activity is illegal under Colombian law and accused recruiters of exploiting vulnerable people.
The Colombian government has expressed concern over the treatment of its citizens in Ukraine, with Petro urging those being used as "cannon fodder" to return home immediately. Gallego Orozco's story serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and consequences faced by foreign fighters in Ukraine.
