Colombia’s Foreign Ministry has issued a formal appeal to both Russia and Ukraine, asking each government to stop enlisting Colombian citizens in their military ranks. The request comes amid growing concern over the number of Colombians who have traveled to the war-torn region to serve in combat roles, often after being lured by misleading job offers.
According to officials, more than 1,700 Colombians have sought government assistance in connection with the conflict, a figure that underscores how widespread the phenomenon has become since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Many of those affected reportedly responded to employment ads that promised well-paid work abroad, only to find themselves recruited into combat units once they arrived.
In addition to asking both nations to cease recruiting Colombian nationals, the Foreign Ministry is pressing Moscow and Kyiv to make it easier for Colombians already deployed to return home safely. The ministry framed the request as part of its broader duty to protect citizens abroad, warning that deceptive recruitment tactics have put unsuspecting Colombians in life-threatening situations far from home.
The appeal highlights how the war has reached well beyond Eastern Europe, drawing in foreign nationals through informal and sometimes fraudulent channels. Colombian authorities say they will continue monitoring the situation and providing support to affected families.
For the full story and additional details, read the original report at El Tiempo.
Source: Cancillería pide a Rusia y Ucrania frenar reclutamiento de colombianos: van más de 1.700 solicitudes de asistencia (eltiempo.com). English version produced with AI assistance.
Image: US Army Africa, BY 2.0 (via Openverse).