Before talking to them, their Ukrainian commander sets two conditions: the first, not to reveal their identity and to use what they call a "war name." The second, for those who request it, is not to show their faces in the photos. "Many have fought against drug cartels for years, and we do not want them to be recognized in any photo and for their families to suffer revenge because of us."
- They are, but their previous experience fighting narco or guerrillas in Colombia has nothing to do with this war. We know that many come for the money, although they show discipline and eagerness to learn. They do not retreat in the assaults, and sometimes we have had to stop them because they have gone further than required.
- Many do not speak English, so we have to maintain a Spanish communication channel at all times for them to coordinate with their international colleagues.
Jagger, who chose his war name after liquor, comes from Medellín, "the world capital of beautiful women," according to his own definition. After three weeks of hard training from sunrise to sunset, he is now part of the so-called "Latin battalion" of the third assault brigade of Ukraine, an elite unit made up of local and international volunteers.
Colombia is currently the most common nationality among foreigners who choose Ukraine as their new war destination, mostly after having fought the FARC in the jungle for years. "It's the first time I'm going to face something like this, a war with aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and trenches. The guerrillas in Colombia didn't have any of that," confirms Jagger himself.
"Our old enemies are with the Russians"
- You know that there are also other Colombians fighting on the other side, right?
- I know. Our old enemies are with the Russians. If we already fought them in Colombia, I don't mind fighting against them here either.
The peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC has led to many military personnel, as well as many other members of the armed forces, enlisting massively on the Ukrainian side. Former rebel militiamen can also be found among the Russian ranks.
We meet them during their final training before joining the ranks and being sent to the front. In the first exercise of the day, they must advance through urban territory house by house, covering each other's progress and obeying their leader's signals communicated with hand gestures. They must take a position, and they do. During the assault, they occupy several trenches and then have to defend them.
The exercise includes the appearance of drones, which they must identify and shoot at, as well as taking cover in the sniper pits they dug themselves days before in the frozen Ukrainian ground. Several unmanned aircraft, the classic Mavic, fly simultaneously, and their terrifying sound fills the air. Once the drone is identified, shots are fired in several areas simultaneously in front of the network of trenches. It's just a drill, but the shots sound real. They also throw detonating grenades, which also make a lot of noise, and suddenly the feeling is that of being immersed in a real battle. The Colombians identify the threat one by one, via radio and in Spanish, until it is neutralized.
Guko admits that "the toughest part" for these hot-blooded soldiers is the cold of Ukraine. Jagger admits that the money to be earned is important, but it's not the only thing: "I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe in the Ukrainian cause, which is the cause of freedom, against an invader". This is not the only simulated attack they will receive today. The exercise lasts until the enemy decides. Just like in real war.