Panama, Colombia reveal recruitment of citizens for Russia-Ukraine war

Panamanian authorities are investigating the recruitment of at least 30 Panamanians for service in the Russian and Ukrainian armed forces. Six cases are under probe after citizens were lured with false promises of employment, a monthly salary of $3,000 and a $70,000 signing bonus. Twenty‑one have joined the Russian army and nine the Ukrainian forces, and one recruit, Luis Alberto Villarreal Prado, was confirmed dead while serving with Russia. A 70‑year‑old former member of Panama’s defunct defence force was detained with passports of two would‑be recruits and faces human‑trafficking charges.

In Colombia, families report similar schemes that offered civilian‑job façades, high salaries of about $3,500 a month, bonuses up to $35,000 and the prospect of Russian citizenship. Recruiters allegedly moved victims through Bogotá, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and India to avoid detection. Testimonies describe harsh front‑line conditions, with one recruit, Jamilton León, calling the experience an “infierno” and a “carnicería.” Another case involves 24‑year‑old Kevin Caicedo, who arrived in Moscow without military training. The Russian embassy in Colombia denied any involvement.

Both investigations highlight a transnational human‑trafficking network that exploits economic vulnerability to funnel Latin American nationals into the Russia‑Ukraine conflict.