Peru reports 11 citizens dead, 114 missing in Ukraine war

The Peruvian government has officially confirmed the deaths of 11 of its citizens who were fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reported that 114 Peruvians are missing and three have been captured by the Ukrainian army. These figures emerge from a total of 459 Peruvian nationals who enlisted to fight alongside Russian forces. The statement marks the first time the Peruvian government has provided official numbers regarding the deaths of its citizens serving in the Russian military. The ministry detailed that 28 of the 31 evacuated nationals have returned to Peru, with three choosing to remain in Europe. In addition to the reported casualties, the Peruvian government announced the repatriation of four citizens who were in vulnerable situations in Russia. These individuals had reportedly fled forced recruitment for service in the war. The consular section of the Peruvian Embassy in Russia assisted in their return, with two young Peruvians being repatriated recently after being identified as vulnerable. Peruvian authorities have urged their citizens not to fall for false job offers that could lead to human trafficking networks. They reminded citizens that military service for any foreign state requires national government authorization. The Foreign Ministry also encouraged reporting 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.