News outlets report that a Colombian citizen named Alejandro Herrera Evia died in Ukraine where he was serving with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The information comes from El Timpo, a local publication that covered the events surrounding his death and the circumstances of his service.
According to the publication, Herrera Evia traveled to Ukraine in December 2022. He had a background as a professional soldier and previously worked in the public sector, including a stint with the prosecution and the Technical Investigation Unit. This mix of experience framed him as someone accustomed to disciplined, security-focused work, which likely influenced his decision to volunteer for military service in a foreign country during a time of conflict.
The article notes that upon his arrival in Ukraine, Herrera Evia warned other Colombians who were considering joining Ukrainian military formations about the challenges they might face. The message highlights the reality that foreign volunteers confront, including language barriers, differences in training, bureaucratic hurdles, and the personal risks inherent in war zones. The emphasis is on preparation and awareness before making a move into military roles abroad.
In Colombia, the deceased’s wife and son remain in the country. The Colombian Embassy in Poland reached out to his family to explain the official procedures that accompany such a tragedy. Family members were told that the decedent is the only person who can deliver his remains to Colombia and that the entire process could take up to three months, reflecting the complexities involved in international repatriation of human remains in war-time conditions. The embassy guidance underscores the emotional and logistical burdens carried by relatives far from home during a period of mourning and formalities.
Amid the broader conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the creation of an international regional defense legion intended to attract volunteers from abroad. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense stated that more than 20,000 people from 52 countries had expressed an interest in joining the legion. The New York Times, however, suggested that those figures were likely inflated or not yet verified, illustrating the variance that can appear between official announcements and independent reporting in wartime situations. This initiative reflects Ukraine’s efforts to bolster its defense capabilities through international support and volunteerism, a topic that has drawn global attention and debate since the start of the conflict.
Earlier, the Foreign Ministry reported that three Colombians were injured in the missile attack on Kramatorsk, an incident that drew international concern and highlighted the unpredictable risks faced by civilians and foreign volunteers in conflict zones. The evolving security situation in eastern Ukraine has remained volatile, affecting both residents and international participants who travel to the region with varying degrees of risk and commitment.