Peruvian recruits conscripted into Russian forces on Ukraine front

Peruvian citizens were attracted to Russia with promises of civilian jobs such as cooking or security work, high pay and a fast‑track to Russian citizenship. After arriving in Russia, their phones were confiscated and they were forced to sign enlistment contracts without interpreters or legal assistance. Following brief training, they were deployed to the Ukrainian front lines, where many have disappeared.

Peruvian prosecutors have opened investigations into the scheme as possible human‑trafficking, citing dozens of families searching for missing relatives. The recruitment method mirrors broader Russian efforts to enlist foreign civilians from developing nations by offering lucrative civilian positions before redirecting them to combat roles in Ukraine.