Panamanians Recount Deception in Ukraine Recruitment; Foreign Ministry Follows Cases

Two Panamanians have recounted distressing experiences after being recruited through social media platforms to fight in Ukraine, only to face conditions far removed from the promises made. The men recently returned to Panama and detailed their recruitment process, the realities they encountered, and their subsequent efforts to come home during a press conference organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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From the moment they told us about the recruitment, they told us the amount of money, that it wasn't obligatory to go to the front lines. That's why my companion and I decided to go.

Recruitment offers, primarily circulated on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp, allegedly promised significant financial compensation and assured potential recruits that they would not be forced into combat. One of the men stated that these assurances were the primary reason he and his companion accepted the offers, hoping to improve their economic situation and support their families. However, upon arriving in Ukraine, the situation drastically changed.

"When we got there, it was a mission, yes or yes, and many people were dying. Realizing the situation, we decided to leave the brigade," one of the men recounted. He explained that their passports and cell phones were confiscated upon arrival, contrary to earlier assurances. They also reported not receiving the promised payments for approximately a month and 15 days. Furthermore, they claimed they were not allowed to have their contracts translated into Spanish before signing.

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When we got there, it was a mission, yes or yes, and many people were dying. Realizing the situation, we decided to leave the brigade.

After deciding to leave the combat brigade, the two men sought assistance from the Panamanian government. They contacted the Panamanian Foreign Ministry and maintained communication with the country's diplomatic representation in Poland until their return to Panama was secured. The Panamanian Foreign Minister, Javier Martínez-Acha, confirmed that the government is actively monitoring cases involving Panamanian citizens who may be involved in such recruitment schemes.

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Recruitment happens through social networks, whether TikTok, Instagram, or WhatsApp. Many recruiters, because there isn't just one here in Panama, use different phone numbers from other countries while being here in Panama.