Russian strike near Ukraine's Kropyvnytskyi in July killed foreign volunteers

Soldiers familiar with the incident told this to The New York Times.

"The Ukrainian Army, which only occasionally acknowledges missile strikes on military sites, confirmed that the attack had killed and wounded soldiers but declined to disclose details. Three soldiers, including one who witnessed the strike, described a harrowing assault that hit fresh recruits from the United States, Colombia, Taiwan, Denmark and other places," the outlet wrote.

The strike also destroyed an ammunition depot, triggering a series of explosions. Witnesses reported the absence of an air raid warning and first-aid kits at the site.

Those affected served either in regular Ukrainian army units or in international legions subordinated to the Armed Forces and Ukraine’s military intelligence.

The report notes that foreign volunteers — including veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as mercenaries from South America — join the Ukrainian army either out of a genuine desire to help Ukrainians or for pay ranging from $1,000 to $1,750 plus combat bonuses, which together can exceed $3,000 a month.

"Colombian men have been drawn to Ukraine for salaries far higher than what they can earn at home, though the risks in trench fighting are severe," NYT writes.

• Volunteers from 72 countries are currently serving in Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Around 600 foreigners join each month.