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Brazilians With Military Experience Join Ukrainian Troops and Face Risks in Exchange for Salaries That Can Reach R$ 26 Thousand Monthly
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, at least 12 Brazilians have lost their lives in the conflict. The war has lasted more than three years and has surpassed the mark of one million deaths, among civilians and military on both sides.
The Russian president Vladimir Putin announced at the time the beginning of a “special military operation.” Since then, Ukraine has counted on the help of foreign fighters from various parts of the world.
Among them are Brazilians with previous military experience, some even having served in the French Foreign Legion.
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Currently, about 300 Brazilians, aged between 20 and 50, are fighting the war in Ukraine alongside Ukrainian forces. Many claim they were motivated by a sense of justice, as explained by Paulista Alex, who works as a shooting instructor for the military.
“Many were military in Brazil or even outside of Brazil, as there are some who were part of the French Legion. And what motivated me was seeing the injustice being carried out here in Ukraine by Russian soldiers under Putin,” said Alex.
In addition to personal motivation, the payment is an attraction. The salary for foreigners in the war varies according to the role and the associated risk. According to reports, fighters on the front lines can receive up to US$ 4,500 monthly, around R$ 26 thousand.
Administrative roles or those outside the combat zone earn lower amounts, starting at US$ 500. In cities further from the war, like Kiev or Lviv, the risks are lower and so are the earnings.
“The salary here is variable, for example, it ranges from 500 dollars to 4,500 dollars, meaning if you’re doing office work in a city like Kiev, in a city like Lviv, which is totally far from the front line, the salary is much lower because you are not at any risk of life,” explained Alex.
Among the Brazilians killed in the conflict, the most recent case is that of 22-year-old Rafael Oliveira. He voluntarily enlisted in September 2024 and lost his life in January of this year. Before him, another Brazilian, a young man from Pará of just 19 years, died in combat in December.
The use of foreign fighters is not exclusive to the Ukrainian side. In early April, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky stated that Chinese soldiers had been captured fighting alongside Russia. China denied any military involvement in the conflict.
With information from Band.UOL.
