Peru confirms 11 citizens died fighting for Russia in Ukraine war

Peru's government has officially confirmed the deaths of eleven Peruvian citizens fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine. The Foreign Ministry stated that a total of 459 Peruvians have enlisted with Russian forces, resulting in 11 fatalities, 114 disappearances, and three captures by Ukrainian forces. This marks the first official acknowledgment by the Peruvian government of its citizens dying while serving with Russian troops.

The ministry also reported the repatriation of four Peruvians who were victims of forced recruitment in Russia. They were reportedly lured into service and subsequently found themselves in vulnerable situations. In total, 31 Peruvians have been evacuated from Russia, with 28 returning home and three remaining in Europe by choice. The consular section of the Peruvian Embassy in Russia has been assisting these individuals.

Peruvian authorities issued a stern warning to their citizens, urging them not to fall for false job offers that could lead them into criminal human trafficking networks. They reiterated that serving in any foreign military requires explicit authorization from the Peruvian government. The Foreign Ministry encouraged citizens to report recruiters to the Public Ministry and National Police, and provided contact information for consular sections in Moscow and Warsaw for affected individuals and their families.

This announcement comes after relatives of recruited Peruvians protested outside the Russian embassy in Lima, demanding information and the return of their loved ones. Families expressed frustration, claiming that recruiters who deceived their relatives remain free despite formal complaints filed in April. Some relatives reported unconfirmed information suggesting as many as 150 Peruvian recruits may have died.