
Behind the War follows former Colombian soldiers who leave Colombia to join the Ukrainian Armed Forces after Russia’s full-scale invasion. The documentary examines their transition from foreign volunteers to combatants while recording the formation of Guajiro, a Spanish-speaking unit linked to the Khartiia Brigade’s international battalion.
Behind the War is a 2026 documentary directed by Catalina Gómez Ángel. The film follows former Colombian soldiers who join the Ukrainian Armed Forces after Russia’s full-scale invasion.
With access to the frontline, it focuses on the experience of foreign volunteers and the formation of Guajiro, a Spanish-speaking combat unit that became the foundation of the Khartiia Brigade’s international battalion.
Behind the War movie details
| Title | Behind the War |
|---|---|
| Original title | Detrás de la guerra |
| Release date | |
| Runtime | 1h 30m |
| Genres | Documentary |
| Director | Catalina Gómez Ángel |
| Country | Colombia, Ukraine |
| Status | Released |
Story without spoilers
The documentary centers on former Colombian soldiers who travel to Ukraine and become part of its armed forces. Their experience is presented as a shift from foreign volunteers to active participants in a major modern conflict.
Alongside their individual transformation, the film documents the creation of Guajiro, a Spanish-speaking combat unit. The unit’s development connects the soldiers’ personal decisions with the broader organization of an international battalion within the Khartiia Brigade. The film also considers what lies behind the choice to fight in a war outside their home country.

What to expect
As a documentary about foreign volunteers in the Russia-Ukraine war, Behind the War is grounded in frontline access and the experiences of former Colombian soldiers. Its subject matter combines personal testimony and wartime documentation with a focus on military organization.
The film’s central elements are the volunteers’ transition into combatants, the creation of the Guajiro unit and its connection to the Khartiia Brigade’s international battalion. Viewers should expect a factual account of participation in a contemporary conflict rather than a fictional war narrative.
Cast and creative team
Behind the War is directed by Catalina Gómez Ángel. No cast or writers are listed in the supplied information; the film follows former Colombian soldiers serving with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Release and production context
Behind the War is a 2026 documentary from Colombia and Ukraine. It has a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. The supplied release date is August 30, 2026, and the film is listed as released. No spoken languages or production companies are provided.
Movies Dock view
Behind the War uses the experiences of Colombian former soldiers to examine foreign participation in the war in Ukraine. Its focus on the Guajiro unit and the Khartiia Brigade’s international battalion gives the documentary a specific organizational and human perspective on a continuing modern conflict.
Frequently asked questions
What is Behind the War about?
It follows former Colombian soldiers who join the Ukrainian Armed Forces after Russia’s full-scale invasion and documents their transition into foreign combatants.
Who directed Behind the War?
The documentary was directed by Catalina Gómez Ángel.
What is the Guajiro unit?
Guajiro is a Spanish-speaking combat unit documented in the film. It became the foundation of the Khartiia Brigade’s international battalion.
How long is Behind the War?
The documentary has a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
When was Behind the War released?
The supplied information lists August 30, 2026, as its release date.
Film data:
TMDB















