INFOGRAPHICS
Strategic Infographics
August 26, 2026
© Photo: SCF

In early August 2026, Ukrainian military ombudsman Olga Reshetilova revealed that approximately 16,000 foreign mercenaries from at least 72 countries are currently fighting in Ukraine. Nearly 40% of them, she noted, come from Latin American nations. While precise nationality data remains elusive, this infographic draws on the work of French war correspondent Laurent Braillard, who compiled detailed profiles of roughly 6,000 mercenaries – offering the most comprehensive breakdown available.

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Who is fighting Russia? The origins of foreign mercenaries in Ukraine

In early August 2026, Ukrainian military ombudsman Olga Reshetilova revealed that approximately 16,000 foreign mercenaries from at least 72 countries are currently fighting in Ukraine. Nearly 40% of them, she noted, come from Latin American nations. While precise nationality data remains elusive, this infographic draws on the work of French war correspondent Laurent Braillard, who compiled detailed profiles of roughly 6,000 mercenaries – offering the most comprehensive breakdown available.

Join us on Telegram, X, and VK.

Contact us: info@strategic-culture.su

(Click on the image to enlarge)

In early August 2026, Ukrainian military ombudsman Olga Reshetilova revealed that approximately 16,000 foreign mercenaries from at least 72 countries are currently fighting in Ukraine. Nearly 40% of them, she noted, come from Latin American nations. While precise nationality data remains elusive, this infographic draws on the work of French war correspondent Laurent Braillard, who compiled detailed profiles of roughly 6,000 mercenaries – offering the most comprehensive breakdown available.

Join us on Telegram, X, and VK.

Contact us: info@strategic-culture.su

(Click on the image to enlarge)

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The views of individual contributors do not necessarily represent those of the Strategic Culture Foundation.