Around 16,000 foreign volunteers from at least 72 countries are currently serving in Ukraine's Defense Forces, with nearly 40% of them coming from Latin American countries, Military Ombudsman Olha Reshetylova has said.
"About 16,000 foreign volunteers from at least 72 countries are defending Ukraine today. Nearly 40% of them are citizens of Latin American countries. Our state values the contribution of foreign service members and recognizes its responsibility to protect their rights," Reshetylova said during a meeting of the heads of Ukraine's foreign diplomatic missions.
According to Reshetylova, since the Office of the Military Ombudsman began operating on January 27, it has received more than 300 appeals from foreign volunteers, their family members, and authorized representatives.
Most of the complaints concern financial and material support, including the payment of additional remuneration, one-time financial assistance, and the provision of proper clothing and food supplies. The Office is also handling issues related to granting combat veteran status, the early termination of military contracts at the service member's request, and ensuring timely access to medical care.
"The Office has established a dedicated working group to analyze the problems faced by foreign nationals and stateless persons serving in Ukraine's Defense Forces at every stage of their service—from enlistment and active duty to discharge, return to their home countries, or adaptation to civilian life in Ukraine. The Office responds to every indication of possible violations of the rights of foreign service members, whether through official complaints, media reports, or appeals from foreign non-governmental organizations," the Office of the Military Ombudsman said in a statement published on Facebook.
The Office has also prepared proposals to improve Ukrainian legislation based on a comprehensive review of foreign nationals' military service in Ukraine's Defense Forces. The recommendations have been submitted to the Office of the President of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense.
