Peruvian Ex-Soldier Dies Fighting in Russia-Ukraine War; Family Seeks Repatriation Aid

Erver Ríos Alván, a 46-year-old former soldier from Peru's Loreto region, has died fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war. His family confirmed his death after losing contact with him on June 19. Ríos Alván had traveled to Russia in January, signing a 12-month contract with the Russian armed forces in hopes of improving his family's financial situation.

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His relatives assure that they do not know the procedures to repatriate him and ask for the support of the Chancellery and the competent authorities to bring his ashes to Iquitos and give him a final farewell, accompanied by his wife and 3-year-old son, who was left orphaned.

His wife, Gandhi Flores Manihuari, told the Andina Agency that she lost communication with her husband on June 19. Days later, individuals close to Ríos Alván in Russia informed her that he had died during a Ukrainian drone attack on a convoy carrying foreign combatants. A superior officer later confirmed the news. Flores Manihuari stated she had disagreed with his decision to go, given their young son, but he insisted on earning money to buy a home. He had mentioned upon arrival that the contract terms differed from those offered and that he could not return as planned.

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His wife, Gandhi Flores Manihuari, explained to the Andina Agency that she lost communication with her partner on June 19, but days later people close to Erver in Russia confirmed to her that he had died during a Ukrainian drone attack against the convoy where he remained with other foreign combatants.

The family is now seeking assistance from Peru's Foreign Ministry and relevant authorities to repatriate his ashes to Iquitos. They wish for him to have a proper farewell surrounded by loved ones, including his 3-year-old son, who is now orphaned. The child reportedly has not yet grasped his father's death.

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The woman called on the Chancellery and competent institutions to receive guidance and support in the necessary diplomatic procedures to repatriate her husband's ashes.

According to Percy Salinas, a lawyer representing families of Peruvians who traveled to Russia, at least 20 Peruvians have died in the conflict, 19 have been injured, and over 600 remain unaccounted for. Salinas stated that many of these individuals were allegedly deceived with false job offers.

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According to the latest figures provided in May by Percy Salinas, lawyer for the families of Peruvians who traveled to Russia, at least 20 Peruvians died in the war with Ukraine, 19 were injured, and more than 600 were incommunicado.