Dominican Republic hires legal counsel in Russia to assist citizens in conflict

The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) has hired specialized legal counsel in the Russian Federation to evaluate the legal status of Dominican citizens reportedly involved in activities related to the Russia-Ukraine war.

According to reports, dozens of Dominican nationals may have signed individual contracts to work in Russia under the impression they were not participating in the conflict. The legal assistance aims to examine these contractual ties under Russian law and identify legal alternatives to provide protection and assistance to the affected citizens.

A diplomatic delegation, led by Vice Minister of Consular and Migratory Affairs Opinio Díaz Vargas and including Director of Protection of Nationals Abroad Miguel Reyes Taveras, is scheduled to travel to Moscow. The commission intends to meet with Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials to obtain updated information and explore cooperation mechanisms. The mission will coordinate with the Dominican Embassy in Moscow, headed by Ambassador Alejandro Arias Zarzuela, to establish a diplomatic and legal follow-up strategy.