# Latin American recruitment for Russia-Ukraine war > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/latin-american-recruitment-for-russia-ukraine-war > Updated: 2026-08-09T20:12:18.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2. Authorities in Latin America have uncovered transnational recruitment networks that lure citizens into the Russia-Ukraine conflict through deceptive job offers and high salaries. In Panama and Colombia, investigations revealed that recruiters promised large monthly salaries and signing bonuses to entice nationals to join both Russian and Ukrainian forces. These schemes often involve human-trafficking tactics, including moving recruits through multiple countries to evade detection. One Panamanian recruit has been confirmed dead, and a former defense force member in Panama faces human-trafficking charges. In Peru, the government has documented significant casualties and disappearances among its citizens enlisting to fight for Russia. Of the 459 Peruvians reported to have enlisted in the Russian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed 11 deaths, 114 missing persons, and three captures by Ukrainian forces. The Peruvian government has requested assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross to help locate the missing individuals. The Peruvian government has actively worked to repatriate nationals who fled what authorities described as “forced recruitment.” To date, 31 Peruvian citizens have been evacuated from Russia, with 28 returning home and three choosing to remain in Europe. Most recently, the ministry announced the successful repatriation of four young Peruvians who were in a state of vulnerability in Russia. In response to the ongoing crisis, the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Russian ambassador to Lima to demand “precise and updated information” regarding the status and location of the deceased and missing nationals. Authorities continue to warn citizens that serving in a foreign military requires official government authorization and that fraudulent job offers are frequently linked to human trafficking networks. ## Claims - 459 Peruvian citizens have enlisted to fight for Russia in the war against Ukraine. (corroborated by 20 sources) - 11 Peruvian citizens have died, 114 are missing, and 3 have been captured by the Ukrainian army. (corroborated by 20 sources) - A total of 31 Peruvians have been evacuated from Russia, with 28 returning to Peru and 3 staying in Europe by choice. (corroborated by 20 sources) - Four Peruvians were recently repatriated after escaping forced recruitment in Russia. (corroborated by 20 sources) - The government warned citizens against false job offers that may lead to human trafficking networks. (corroborated by 20 sources) - Peru has summoned the Russian ambassador to request information regarding its citizens in the conflict. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-09: Peru reports casualties among citizens fighting for Russia in Ukraine Peru reports 11 citizens dead, 114 missing, and 3 captured among 459 nationals fighting for Russia in Ukraine. The government has repatriated several others and warned against fraudulent job offers. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-reports-casualties-among-citizens-fighting-for-russia-in-ukraine ### 2026-08-03: Panama, Colombia reveal recruitment of citizens for Russia-Ukraine war Panama and Colombia investigate human‑trafficking schemes that recruited citizens with false job offers to fight for Russia and Ukraine, resulting in dozens of enlistees and at least one death. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-colombia-reveal-recruitment-of-citizens-for-russia-ukraine-war --- Cite as: Latin American recruitment for Russia-Ukraine war. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/latin-american-recruitment-for-russia-ukraine-war