Bolivia Investigates Recruitment of Its Citizens for Russian Army in War Against Ukraine
Bolivian authorities have launched an investigation after videos emerged on social media showing Bolivian citizens in Russian military uniforms. One of them, a 29-year-old man, has been killed in combat in Ukraine.
In recent days, social media has circulated videos showing Bolivian citizens serving in the Russian army. One video, apparently filmed in a combat zone, features 29-year-old José María Soleto describing life under war conditions as a "pure adrenaline rush." The footage also shows his cousin and two other individuals believed to be from Peru and Colombia.
Soleto's wife announced on Tuesday that her husband had been killed in battle. She stated that in April, he was offered $16,000 to go to Russia. Authorities in Peru and Colombia are conducting similar investigations.
Russia's embassy in Lima acknowledged that Peruvian citizens have signed contracts to join the Russian armed forces but claimed that those individuals did so voluntarily and legally.
