Authorities in Panama reported that at least 15 citizens have been recruited to join the conflict in Ukraine, with one individual having lost their life. This alarming revelation comes as officials urge the public to be aware of the “deadly risk” associated with such recruitment.
The Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently investigating the involvement of its citizens in this war, which escalated with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, following multiple complaints from families of those who had been enlisted.
Interim Foreign Minister Carlos Arturo Hoyos stated in an interview with Telemetro that the recruits have been drawn into the conflict since 2022, although he did not specify which side they are on. “Some knew exactly what they were getting into, but others believed they were being hired as private security agents or to operate construction machinery,” he explained.
Hoyos emphasized the importance of vigilance among citizens, highlighting the potential lethal consequences of such decisions. He noted that one person has been confirmed dead while several others are reported missing.
Moscow Claims Recruitment Contracts Are Voluntary
Another government minister, Juan Carlos Orillac, labeled the situation as “shameful,” asserting that the Panamanian government and the president are not involved in these recruitment efforts. “We do not agree, we are not involved, and we have no intention of allowing this to happen,” he remarked, addressing the issue of recruitment.
The Attorney General’s Office announced that it has launched two investigations following complaints to determine if any crimes have been committed in Panama related to these recruitments and to establish accountability.
The Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly sought information from the embassies of Russia and Ukraine regarding this matter, also engaging in discussions with Moscow and Kiev. However, according to the Panamanian Foreign Ministry, Russian authorities have responded that “the contracts signed are voluntary and stem from individual decisions made by those who sign them.”
