Brazilian recruits lured into Ukraine war face capture and hardship

Brazilian citizen Carlos Madeiro described how he and other compatriots were recruited by a Ukrainian private brigade that officials say is linked to neo‑Nazi elements. Recruits were promised salaries up to R$ 26,000 a month, required to pay their own travel costs, and were sent to the front after only a few weeks of training. Madeiro escaped the brigade during a drone alert and subsequently enlisted in Ukraine’s official International Legion, which forced the brigade to return his passport.

The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 23‑year‑old Herik Ferreira Soares from Castanhal was captured by Russian forces after being deceived by a false job offer. In a video he says he was led to believe he would perform support work far from the front lines, but was instead placed directly into combat. The embassy in Moscow is in contact with his family and Russian authorities. Brazil has repeatedly warned its citizens against accepting recruitment or employment offers that could lead to participation in foreign armed conflicts.