Russia denies using Colombian mercenaries in Ukraine war

Russia's embassy in Colombia has firmly denied allegations that it is involved in recruiting Colombian mercenaries to fight in Ukraine. The denial comes in response to an investigation published by the Colombian news outlet Noticias Caracol, which presented testimony and documents suggesting Moscow has been enlisting Colombians as part of its strategy against Kyiv. The Russian diplomatic mission stated it has "no relation with the recruiters mentioned in the report, nor the slightest idea of how they finance their activities." Despite the denial, concerns persist. Family members of Colombians hired for security services abroad, many of whom are retired military personnel, have reported mistreatment of their relatives serving in Russia and Ukraine. This situation is further complicated by claims from Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, who insists that at least 7,000 Colombians are currently fighting in the conflict zones for financial gain. The United Nations has also estimated that around 10,000 Colombians have been recruited for armed conflicts globally, often under dire conditions. Colombian soldiers, trained to combat guerrilla groups and drug cartels, often face difficulties finding civilian employment after retiring, making them targets for mercenary forces sought by nations engaged in conflicts like those in Sudan, Yemen, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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no relation with the recruiters mentioned in the report, nor the slightest idea of how they finance their activities.