Bolivia probes cases of citizens lured to fight for Russia
LA PAZ — Bolivian prosecutors on Tuesday announced an investigation into the alleged transfer of its citizens to fight for Russia against Ukraine, following reports of false job promises luring them over.
Attorney General Roger Mariaca announced the probe as footage of Bolivian nationals wearing Russian uniforms has circulated on social media in recent days.
One video appearing to be shot from the conflict zone shows 29-year-old Bolivian national Jose Maria Soleto describing life at war.
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“Our day-to-day is pure adrenaline,” he exclaims in the recording, which also features his cousin and two individuals apparently from Peru and Colombia.
Soleto’s wife on Tuesday said her husband had died in combat in Ukraine.
He was offered $16,000 to travel to Russia in April, television channel Red Uno quoted her as saying.
Authorities in Peru and Colombia are also investigating the alleged illegal transit of nationals to Ukraine as a ploy to send them into the conflict.
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Moscow’s embassy in Lima has acknowledged that Peruvians signed contracts to join the Russian armed forces, but said the concerned individuals did so voluntarily and legally. /dl
