Panama confirms death of citizen recruited for Russia-Ukraine war

Panamanian authorities confirmed that at least 15 of their nationals have been recruited to fight in the Russia‑Ukraine conflict, with one confirmed dead and several others missing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is investigating the cases, having opened two criminal investigations and repeatedly requested information from the Russian and Ukrainian embassies. Foreign Minister Carlos Arturo Hoyos emphasized that the contracts were presented as voluntary employment, offering salaries of $2,500‑$3,500 per month, but warned that many recruits were deceived by false job offers. President‑elect José Raúl Mulino’s government, represented by Minister of the Presidency Juan Carlos Orillac, denied any involvement in the recruitment. Deputies in Panama’s National Assembly have demanded answers and assistance for families, while former border service director Oriel Ortega urged citizens to avoid such scams. Diplomatic contacts continue with Russian and Ukrainian missions to determine the status of the Panamanian citizens on the front lines.