The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on Sunday that 11 Peruvian citizens fighting in the Russian army against Ukraine have died. The ministry added that 114 other Peruvians are missing and three have been captured by the Ukrainian army.
Official records show that 459 Peruvians have enlisted in Russian military forces. The government stated that 31 nationals have been evacuated from Russia, with 28 returning to Peru and three choosing to remain in Europe by their own decision.
This is the first time the Peruvian government has officially reported deaths among citizens recruited by Russian troops. The ministry did not specify the dates when the deaths occurred.
Repatriation of vulnerable citizens
The ministry announced the repatriation of four citizens who escaped forced recruitment into the war against Ukraine. The consular section of the Embassy of Peru in Russia assisted two vulnerable young Peruvians, while two others received consular help at the end of July. All four returned to Peru to join their families with support from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations.
Authorities warned citizens not to fall for false job offers that could lead into criminal human trafficking networks. The ministry reminded Peruvians that they require national government authorization to perform military service for any foreign state.
Officials urged people to report recruiters to the Public Prosecutor's Office and the National Police. Affected individuals and their families can contact Peruvian consular sections in Moscow and Warsaw, which handles Ukraine.
Protests and legal complaints in Lima
Relatives of recruited Peruvians protested last Tuesday outside the Russian embassy in Lima to demand information and the return of their family members, especially the wounded. Family members said they filed formal human trafficking complaints in April, but the recruiters who deceived their relatives remain free while their cases sit inactive in the Prosecutor's Office.
Families have organized protests and sit-ins since the early months of this year to demand information about the recruits. The Peruvian government issued diplomatic notes to Russia without receiving a response, leading officials to request assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross to help search for the affected nationals.
