Bolivia registers 26 citizens linked to Russian armed forces amid recruitment probe

Bolivia's government has confirmed it is tracking 26 citizens linked to Russia's armed forces, as investigations into alleged recruitment for the war in Ukraine intensify. Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo stated that 20 Bolivians currently hold active contracts with the Russian military, while four are confirmed injured in field hospitals and one has died. Another citizen has been successfully repatriated.

Aramayo criticized the previous administration for inaction on the issue, asserting that the current government, under President Rodrigo Paz, has taken diplomatic and consular steps since November. He cited a consular mission to Donetsk in June to verify the situation of a Bolivian national, assist with their medical care, and facilitate their military disengagement.

The Foreign Ministry has also established a bilateral roadmap and direct communication channel with Russia's ambassador to Bolivia, Dimitri Vérchenko, to prioritize these cases. Meanwhile, the Attorney General's Office is conducting four investigations across three regions for alleged human trafficking linked to recruitment for war. Three individuals were recently placed in pre-trial detention for 60 days in Santa Cruz, suspected of involvement with a key figure in alleged recruitment activities.