In a formal diplomatic move, Peru's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Russian Ambassador to Lima, Alekséi Ushakov, seeking detailed information regarding Peruvian nationals who have died or gone missing while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. This development was disclosed in an official press release by Peru's Foreign Ministry.
The summons came just a day after the Peruvian government revised its official figures: out of 459 Peruvians recruited by the Russian military, 11 have been killed, 114 are missing, and three have been captured by Ukrainian forces.
Additionally, the Peruvian government successfully evacuated 31 of its citizens from Russian territory. Of these, 28 have returned to Peru, while three chose to remain in Europe.
Foreign Minister Carlos Espá conveyed President Keiko Fujimori's concerns to the ambassador, emphasizing that Moscow has a duty to provide information "as a matter of justice and a human right recognized by the international community."
Deputy Minister Eric Anderson was even more forthright, asserting, "Peru will not forget or neglect its citizens, no matter where they are," and urging Russian authorities to deliver "accurate and updated information about their location and condition."
Representatives of the affected families were also present at the meeting, expressing their despair to the Russian diplomat over Moscow's silence. These families had previously protested outside the Russian embassy in Lima, demanding the return of their injured relatives and information about their whereabouts.
The families further allege that the recruiters who "deceived and defrauded" their loved ones remain at large, and formal human trafficking complaints filed in April are "languishing in the Prosecutor's Office," despite a preliminary investigation being launched by the Public Ministry in May.
The recruitment network operated through social media advertisements offering false job opportunities — such as security guards, drivers, cooks, and engineers — with promised salaries ranging from 1,700 to 2,500 euros per month.
Once in Russia, the recruits were sent to the front lines in perilous operations known as "meat assaults" or "grinder," where the Ukrainian project "I Want to Live" reported that 42% of foreign mercenaries perish within the first four months of signing their contracts.
Peru's proactive approach starkly contrasts with the Cuban regime's opacity regarding a much larger scale issue.
Lima has conducted over 25 coordination meetings with the families, dispatched a special envoy to Moscow, and requested assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross.
In contrast, Havana has not released any official data on the number of recruits, fatalities, or captives, has not informed families, and maintains complete silence on the participation of its citizens in the conflict.
Ukrainian intelligence estimates that between 20,000 and 25,000 Cubans have been recruited by Russia. At least 93 have been identified by name as having died in combat.
In July of this year, Moscow declared a Cuban dead who was actually alive in Ukrainian captivity, highlighting a pattern of dual institutional neglect: Russia administratively erases captured foreigners, and the Cuban regime remains silent.
While Peru exerts diplomatic pressure and provides public accountability to its citizens, Cuban families searching for their loved ones receive no official response from Havana.
FAQs on Peru's Diplomatic Actions and Missing Citizens in Ukraine
What action has Peru taken regarding its missing citizens in Ukraine?
Peru's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian ambassador to Lima to demand information on Peruvian citizens who have died or gone missing while fighting in Ukraine. Additionally, Peru has updated its figures on the number of Peruvians affected and has evacuated some citizens from Russia.
How has the Cuban government responded to similar situations involving its citizens?
The Cuban government has maintained silence on the issue, not releasing official numbers on recruits, fatalities, or captives, nor informing families about the situation of their loved ones involved in the conflict.
What are the allegations made by the families of the missing Peruvians?
Families of the missing Peruvians claim that recruiters who deceived their relatives remain free, and formal complaints about human trafficking have not progressed in the legal system despite being filed months ago.