Peruvians promised jobs in Russia, but landed on the front lines in Ukraine
Peruvian men were lured by promises of high-paying jobs in Russia, but instead were allegedly forced to fight alongside Russian troops on the front lines in Ukraine. Relatives say the men were deceived by job offers for construction or security work, only to be thrust into combat roles, with some being killed or wounded in the war.
Background
- The article describes Peruvians recruited with promises of high-paying jobs in Russia, only to be forced into combat roles on the front lines of Russia's war in Ukraine.
- Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. By mid-2026, it had become a prolonged war of attrition with heavy casualties on both sides, driving Russia to seek foreign fighters to address manpower shortages.
- Peru has high unemployment and a large informal labor market, making overseas job offers appealing. Many recruited Peruvians had no military experience and were misled about the nature of the work.
- This is part of a broader pattern of Russia recruiting from Latin America, Africa, and South Asia. Under international law, using mercenaries is controversial; Russia officially denies doing so.