Dominican Republic officials address citizens in Russia conflict

The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mirex) has identified more than 30 citizens currently in Russia who traveled under contract and are located on the front lines of the conflict with Ukraine. Foreign Minister Víctor-Ito Bisonó stated that the number of identified cases has risen from an initial 20 to over 30. In response, the Dominican ambassador in Russia has been instructed to hire local lawyers to examine the contracts signed by these individuals and determine available legal options under Russian law.

A diplomatic commission, led by Vice Minister of Consular and Migratory Affairs Opinio Díaz Vargas, is traveling to Moscow to assess the situation directly. The government is also coordinating with the Russian ambassador in the Dominican Republic to explore mechanisms for assistance.

Separately, four Dominican nationals have sought refuge at the Dominican Embassy in Russia after escaping the Russian Army. These individuals report that they never signed formal military contracts and fled after refusing to participate in the war against Ukraine. They claim to be facing death threats, surveillance, and extortion demands of $10,000 per person from their alleged recruiters. While the four are currently under diplomatic protection in a hotel, they report receiving intimidating messages claiming their location is known. The whereabouts of a fifth individual, who was initially part of the group, remains unknown.