A scandal has erupted in Panama over recruitment into the Russian army
Panamanian authorities reported that at least 15 Panamanian citizens were recruited to fight in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Officially, one Panamanian has been killed, and several others are missing, Le Figaro reports.
The country’s Attorney General’s Office has already launched an investigation.
Panama’s acting Foreign Minister Carlos Arturo Hoyos stated that cases of recruitment have been recorded since 2025.
Some volunteers knowingly signed contracts, understanding the potential consequences. However, others may have been deceived. They were allegedly promised jobs as security guards or construction equipment drivers, when in reality they were sent into combat zones. “This is a mortal risk,” Hoyos warned, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution. Panama’s Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Aurillac, called the incident “a disgrace” and emphasized that Panamanian authorities have no involvement in the recruitment of their citizens. He stated that the state does not support such schemes and intends to investigate all the circumstances of the incident.
Panama’s Attorney General’s Office has already launched two investigations following appeals from relatives of the missing citizens. At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent inquiries to the embassies of Russia and Ukraine to determine the fate of the recruited Panamanians and obtain additional information.
This issue was also discussed with representatives of Moscow and Kyiv. The Russian side stated that all foreigners sign contracts voluntarily.
“Panamanian authorities urge citizens to be wary of job offers abroad and to thoroughly vet employers, as such vacancies could be a cover for recruitment for armed conflict,” the publication writes.