Russia denies embassy role in recruiting Colombians for war

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Moscow: Russia denied hiring Colombian soldiers to fight in the Ukraine conflict, dismissing rumours that its embassy in Colombia was involved in hiring former Colombian military.

The Russian embassy in Bogotá denied reports that it organised or backed a recruitment network for Colombian ex-servicemen, calling the allegations 'false' and asserting that it respects all diplomatic protocols.

The denial comes amid growing anxiety in Colombia over the increasing number of its people joining the crisis in Ukraine. Colombian authorities estimate that hundreds of former soldiers have moved to the conflict zone, attracted by promises of high pay, with many reported murdered or missing.

The issue gained back attention when media reports suggested that Russia was looking to recruit Colombians to boost its military. Russia strongly refuted those allegations, claiming that it has no part in hiring Colombian fighters through its diplomatic presence.

Colombia repeatedly cautioned its citizens not to serve as mercenaries in foreign conflicts, and it has expressed alarm over the rising death toll of Colombians engaging in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.