Peru seeks answers from Russia over citizens in Ukraine war

April 29 (UPI) -- Peru's Foreign Ministry has demanded immediate and detailed information from Russia about the whereabouts and health conditions of dozens of Peruvian citizens recruited to fight in the war against Ukraine.

The move follows reports of an alleged international human trafficking network that recruited former Peruvian military personnel and retired law enforcement officers to fight on Russian front lines with promises of lucrative jobs.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Peru's Foreign Ministry said it summoned the chargé d'affaires of the Russian Embassy in Lima and delivered an official list of registered Peruvians while demanding information about their whereabouts.

"The government of Peru will not tolerate the illegal recruitment of its citizens under schemes that violate their fundamental rights," the ministry said.

The ministry also said Peru's Constitution requires citizens to obtain prior authorization from the Foreign Ministry before serving in foreign armed forces.

The controversy intensified after investigative reports exposed what local media described as a sophisticated recruitment system.

The Peruvian television program Cuarto Poder aired a report Sunday that included accounts from relatives of at least 56 Peruvians allegedly recruited through deception. Other outlets, including América Noticias and ATV, reported the network had operated since mid-2025, offering fake jobs in cooking and private security at supposedly nonmilitary facilities.

According to the reports, recruiters, including former Peruvian military personnel, used social media to advertise civilian jobs with salaries that exceed $50,000 a year.

Relatives and survivors said the reality changed once recruits arrived in Moscow. Their accounts indicated recruits were forced to sign contracts written entirely in Russian before being transferred to training centers and later deployed to combat zones within weeks.

Authorities estimate about 130 Peruvians may have been targeted by the network. Family reports and legal records indicate 73 people are missing and at least eight Peruvians have been confirmed killed in combat.

Videos reportedly sent from the trenches by a Peruvian identified as "Morgan" appeared to show recruits facing drone strikes and heavy artillery attacks rather than performing logistical duties.

Peruvian authorities said 10 Peruvians have sought refuge at Peru's embassy in Moscow, where they are awaiting documents for repatriation.

Óscar Schiappa Pietra, executive secretary of the Peruvian Society of International Law, told local broadcaster RPP Noticias that using mercenaries constitutes an international crime and also may violate several provisions of Peru's criminal code.

Schiappa Pietra said the former military personnel involved should be repatriated because they are "compatriots in an extremely vulnerable situation."

He said those involved could face prosecution by Ukraine or by countries that are parties to the International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries.

Peruvian authorities urged former members of the armed forces and the general public to be wary of job offers in Russia promising unusually high salaries.

Officials also announced the creation of a special task force involving the National Police and prosecutors to dismantle local recruitment networks.

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This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 11:39 AM.