Soldiers from Ukraine’s 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” say they captured “unusual” fighters near Pokrovsk - two Colombian citizens who, during questioning, described how they ended up in the Russian military.
In the Pokrovsk area of Donetsk region, Ukrainian forces detained two Colombians fighting on Russia’s side, according to the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” of Ukraine’s Forces.
The detainees said they never intended to go to war and were pushed to the front line after being deceived by Russian recruiters.
The Colombians claimed they traveled to Russia for work. They were promised jobs and about $2,500 a month but never received any pay. One expected to work as a welder; the other was told about a security job at a gas-processing facility, and, they said, war was never mentioned.
According to their account, the route was Bogotá–Istanbul–Ufa. Once in Ufa, their phones, passports and other documents were taken. After several days, they were put on a bus and driven for nearly a day and a half to an unknown destination without explanation.
The regiment said the Colombians were issued weapons and, without proper supplies, sent to assault positions in the Pokrovsk sector. The prisoners said they were given neither food nor water, and rifles were handed to them right before moving out. They added they never fired a shot and that their magazines remained full.
One of the detainees said he believed assurances that the job would be safe and even invited an acquaintance, who was ultimately killed. He claimed similar schemes are still bringing other Colombian citizens to Russia under promises of temporary, allegedly safe work.
