Colombia urges Russia and Ukraine to stop recruiting its citizens

The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally requested that Russia and Ukraine cease the recruitment of Colombian citizens into their respective armed forces. The government emphasized that it does not support, encourage, or authorize the participation of its nationals in international armed conflicts.

As of September 2026, the Ministry has recorded 863 requests for consular assistance related to Colombians in Ukraine and 890 in Russia. These cases involve various critical situations, including deaths, missing persons in combat, and requests for the repatriation of remains.

To combat the issue, the Colombian government has filed 21 complaints with the Attorney General's Office against individuals and entities suspected of spreading deceptive job offers to lure citizens into conflict zones. Additionally, a new preventive protocol has been implemented at passport offices to identify travelers intending to provide military service abroad.