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Ukraine points to Russian networks recruiting people in Panama for the war
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Conflict & Security

Ukraine points to Russian networks recruiting people in Panama for the war

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Ukraine's embassy in Panama reported that Russian networks are recruiting individuals in Panama for the war.
  • Panama's Foreign Ministry is investigating these claims, with 15 cases of Panamanians going to the conflict confirmed, and one death.
  • The embassy accused Russia of systematic 'predatory recruitment' and human trafficking through deceitful job offers.

Ukraine's embassy in Panama has alerted authorities to alleged Russian recruitment networks operating within Panamanian territory, aiming to enlist individuals for the ongoing conflict. The embassy stated its readiness to cooperate closely with Panamanian officials to halt these activities.

disposition of maintaining close cooperation with the Panamanian authorities to put an end to this situation.

— Embassy of Ukraine in Panamaregarding alleged Russian recruitment activities in Panama

Panama's Foreign Ministry confirmed last Friday that it is investigating circumstances surrounding the alleged recruitment of Panamanians for the war. This follows reports from families of two young men who disappeared, reportedly lured to the front lines with non-military job offers. The ministry has identified 15 cases of Panamanians joining the conflict, initiated by Russia on February 24, 2022, and has confirmed the death of one citizen.

The Ukrainian diplomatic mission emphasized that mercenary activities are illegal in Ukraine. It clarified that Panamanians fighting for Ukraine are officially part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces or National Guard, operating under Ukrainian law. This contrasts with what the embassy described as Russia's "systematic policy of 'predatory recruitment' and human trafficking."

systematic policy of 'predatory recruitment' and human trafficking.

— Embassy of Ukraine in Panamaaccusing Russia of its methods for enlisting foreign fighters

According to the embassy, Russia uses deception, false civilian job offers, and educational schemes to incorporate foreign citizens into its occupation forces, actions that constitute human trafficking. It further stated that individuals recruited through such clandestine methods are either illegal mercenaries under international conventions or victims of human trafficking.

Through deception, false offers of civilian employment, and grant and educational schemes, the Russian Federation incorporates foreign citizens into the ranks of its occupation forces, which presents all the characteristics of human trafficking.

— Embassy of Ukraine in Panamadescribing Russia's recruitment tactics

Panamanian authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution regarding overseas job offers that might be linked to war recruitment. Testimonies from families and former public force commanders suggest a mix of voluntary enlistment and deceptive recruitment practices.

Individuals incorporated into the Russian occupation forces through such a clandestine scheme are illegal mercenaries according to international conventions or, alternatively, victims of human trafficking.

— Embassy of Ukraine in Panamacategorizing those recruited by Russia
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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