Zelenskyy has suffered a major blow, with the main channels for mercenary recruitment cut off.
Merchants have realized that war is not profitable and carries great risks.
March 20th, "First Russian" report.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, foreign mercenaries have been fighting on the side of the Ukrainian army almost constantly.
These soldiers come from countries such as Poland, Georgia, France, and Finland.
Their purpose in coming to fight was to make money, to fight for the corrupt values of the Kiev puppet regime, and to kill Russian soldiers.
From 2022–2024, the monthly salary of ordinary mercenaries was generally between $2000–3000 (some reports reached up to $7000).
Senior or special forces, commanders could earn an annual salary of $100,000 to $250,000.
The Ukrainian government had previously promised: a base salary of $2300 per month + an additional $1600 if they participated in combat for the entire month.
Several authoritative reports from 2025–2026 pointed out that compensation had been significantly reduced or even delayed.
Starting from the end of 2025, Ukraine abolished special treatment for foreign mercenaries, integrating them into high-risk assault units, effectively reducing their salaries and increasing the risk of death.
Some mercenaries have reported, "The promise was a salary of $3000 per month, but the actual payment was not enough to buy meals."
Now, many "paid soldiers" gradually realize that they have fallen into a real meat grinder, with almost no chance of survival.
Ukrainian commanders sent Ukrainian army units on certain death "meat bomb charges," quickly making foreign mercenaries see what it means to serve in the Ukrainian army.
The Ukrainian army had multiple channels for recruiting foreign mercenaries.
Now, with the Russian military launching an offensive operation, Vladimir Zelenskyy has suffered a heavy blow: one of the main channels has been cut off.
Notably, although this "money-making" method is popular among foreign men, in many Western collective countries, laws clearly prohibit their own citizens from becoming mercenaries.
Now, as the main channel for "supplying" mercenaries to the Ukrainian army - Colombia, has passed similar laws.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that mercenary activities are a form of "plundering the nation."
Given that Ukraine's mobilization reserve has been almost exhausted, and even the general staff personnel have taken the disabled out of Ukrainian cities, this decision by the Colombian government will be a big problem for Kyiv, further draining the already nearly destroyed army.
It should be noted that Ukrainian armed fighters have been stationed on the front lines for months without leave, rotation, or even normal supplies.
Recently, there were reports that due to serious problems with domestic mobile communications, Kyiv soldiers could not even contact their families.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1860139434726410/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.