‘I learned everything I know about guerrilla warfare in Ukraine’: Brazilian went to war without military experience, and says that anyone who tried to escape was tortured

‘They said it was R$50,000’: Brazilian reports frustration when fighting in the Ukrainian war Fantástico located four former fighters from Bahia who were lured with false promises to fight in the Ukrainian war against Russia. But what leads Brazilians to enter into an armed conflict thousands of kilometers from home? In the case of Marcos Souto, music producer and businessman, the decision was motivated mainly by money. He is part of the group known as war mercenaries — foreign fighters who participate in conflicts in exchange for payment. The amount received varies according to the war and the military group to which the combatant is linked, but, according to reports, the negotiation is not always clear. “They said the salary was 50 thousand per month. We understand this as in reais. But it was 50 thousand hryvnia, which was around R$5,800”, said Marcos, who used the code name “Corvo”. Asked why he understood that the value would be in reais, he replied: “Because it’s what comes to mind.” Many of these fighters learn military techniques in groups such as the French Foreign Legion. But this is not the only way. Marcos claims that he had never served in the Army in Brazil and that he had no military experience before going to Ukraine. “I never served in the Army. I had no experience. Everything I know today about guerrilla warfare, I learned in Ukraine,” he said. Arriving at the front, he encountered a bigger problem than little money and lack of experience: the violence of commanders. “Whoever tries to escape, if caught, is arrested and tortured” by Ukraine’s own army, he reports. Another Brazilian mercenary stated that he fought against Ukrainian soldiers during his escape. After returning to Brazil, one of the fighters said he lost 28 kilos and spent days without adequate food. Brazilians are lured into the war in Ukraine with false promises and report torture, hunger and regret; VIDEO The war in Ukraine approaches its fourth year, and attacks continue. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, since the start of the war, 19 Brazilians have died in Ukraine. Another 44 are missing. The Ukrainian embassy in Brazil reported that it does not recruit Brazilians and that anyone who enlists has the same rights and duties as a Ukrainian citizen in military service. Promises of high salaries and adventure: Brazilians are drawn into the war in Ukraine and report regret Reproduction/TV Globo See the full report in the video below: 4 years after the start of the war, Brazilians still enlist in the Ukrainian army Listen to the Fantástico podcasts ISSO É FANTÁSTICO The Isso É Fantástico podcast is available on g1 and the main podcast apps, bringing great reports, investigations and fascinating stories in podcasts with the journalism seal of the Fantastic: depth, context and information. Follow, like or subscribe to Isso É Fantástico on your favorite podcast player. Every Sunday there’s a new episode. PLEASURE, RENATA The podcast ‘Prazer, Renata’ is available on g1 and the main podcast apps. Follow, subscribe and enjoy ‘Prazer, Renata’ on your favorite platform.

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