SHOT: Colombian, Brazilian women join Ukrainian Armed Forces

Around 3,500 Colombian and Brazilian women have reportedly signed contracts with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, following their husbands, SHOT reports.

The report said most of the female recruits are allegedly convicted in their home countries of drug trafficking and prostitution.

Hospitals in South America have begun granting female employees leave to serve in Ukraine.

The main reason for the mass recruitment is reportedly the deaths of mercenary husbands or husbands who are being held captive pending a prisoner exchange.

In addition to medical personnel, women serving as snipers and reconnaissance personnel with no previous combat experience are reportedly joining the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Most are said to be Latin American women who were involved in illegal activities in their home countries.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov