Around 3,500 women from Colombia and Brazil have reportedly signed contracts with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, following their husbands who had previously joined the fighting in Ukraine.

The hospitals in South America have begun allowing some of their female employees to leave for service in Ukraine. It says the main reason behind the reported influx is the death or capture of their husbands, with some being held as prisoners of war awaiting possible exchanges, according to life.ru.

The women joining Ukrainian forces include medical personnel, snipers and reconnaissance personnel, some of whom reportedly have no previous combat experience.

Most of the Latin American women had criminal records in their home countries, including convictions related to drug trafficking and prostitution.