Russia warns Panamanians against joining Ukraine war: 'It's not Hollywood'

Russia has cautioned Panamanians against joining the war in Ukraine, emphasizing the brutal reality of the conflict and warning that it is "not a Hollywood production." The appeal comes after reports that over twenty Panamanian citizens have participated in the war, fighting for both Ukraine and Russia. At least one Panamanian has died, and several remain missing.

Panama's Foreign Ministry acknowledged that some citizens were recruited with false promises of employment, while others knew they were enlisting for combat. Russian Ambassador Konstantin Gavrilov, in a letter shared on the embassy's social media, stressed that the conflict involves advanced weaponry and inevitably leads to high casualties. He clarified that while it is legal for foreigners to voluntarily join the Russian Armed Forces, the Russian embassy does not act as a recruiter.

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What could await them would not be a 'Hollywood blockbuster' nor a 'desert safari in Iraq'.

"Russia does not support or require deceptive methods of recruiting volunteers," Gavrilov stated. Panama's Foreign Ministry has repeatedly sought information from both Russian and Ukrainian governments in Panama regarding their citizens. Meanwhile, the Panamanian Attorney General's Office has launched investigations into allegations of deceptive recruitment practices reported by families.

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Russia does not support or require deceptive methods of recruiting volunteers.