Russia Denies Using Colombian Mercenaries in Ukraine War
Moscow's diplomatic mission in Colombia has rejected a Colombian media investigation alleging it recruited Colombians for its war against Kyiv.
Russia has denied allegations that it used Colombian mercenaries in its war in Ukraine, following an investigation by a Colombian news outlet.
Noticias Caracol published the investigation on Monday, featuring testimony and documents alleging that Moscow enlisted Colombians as part of its strategy against Kyiv.
Russia's diplomatic mission in Colombia dismissed the report on Wednesday, saying it had "no relation with the recruiters mentioned in the report, nor the slightest idea of how they finance their activities."
However, family members of Colombians hired to provide security services abroad – mostly retired military personnel – have reported mistreatment of their loved ones in Russia and Ukraine.
Last November, Russia sentenced two Colombians to 13 years in prison on accusations that they fought for Ukraine's armed forces.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro, for his part, insists there are at least 7,000 Colombians fighting in Russia and Ukraine for money.
In March, the United Nations estimated that at least 10,000 Colombians had been recruited abroad to take part in armed conflicts around the world, often under "inhuman conditions."
Colombian soldiers often struggle to find work after retiring from military service, having been trained to fight conflict fuelled by guerrilla groups and drug cartels.
Such mercenary forces are often sought out by countries mired in conflict, including Sudan, Yemen, Ukraine and the Democratic Republic of Congo, among others.
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