More Panamanian Citizens Continue to Travel to Russia to Fight in the War Against Ukraine

Two more Panamanian citizens traveled to Moscow last week, attracted by job offers related to the war between Russia and Ukraine, despite repeated warnings from the government about the dangers of joining the conflict.

Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha confirmed that one was rescued through diplomatic efforts, while the second was unable to reach the Panamanian embassy.

The Foreign Minister expressed his concern that people continue to appear willing to accept offers that conceal the real conditions they will face upon arrival in Russian territory.

During his statements, he insisted that those interested must understand that these are not conventional job opportunities, but rather deployments to combat zones.

“They’re not going to a party in Moscow, they’re not going to a party in Ukraine, they’re going to the front lines,” warned Martínez-Acha, using the term “party” to refer to a celebration. The official described it as inconceivable that new citizens continue to accept these offers despite public warnings, especially given that authorities have documented deaths, disappearances, and difficulties in leaving the military.

The foreign minister acknowledged that Panama does not have an exact figure for the number of nationals who remain in the conflict, because many travel without informing the authorities beforehand.

However, he confirmed that about twelve Panamanians have returned to the country, while efforts continue to facilitate the departure of other citizens.

The scale of the problem was reflected in a report from the Foreign Ministry dated September 15, which was accessed by the newspaper La Prensa, which counted six Panamanians dead, 15 missing and another 70 citizens who were listed as active in the armed conflict, according to information published by that media outlet.

According to figures released by La Prensa, 62 Panamanians were linked to Russian forces and eight to Ukrainian forces. The document also recorded eight missing persons in Russia and seven in Ukraine, in addition to 18 repatriated citizens, eleven from Russian territory and seven from Ukrainian territory.

The recruitment has led to criminal investigations for alleged human trafficking and labor exploitation, due to reports from young people lured through deceptive offers. Authorities have identified promises of monthly salaries between $2,000 and $5,000, in addition to purported financial benefits that did not always materialize.

Investigations by the Public Prosecutor’s Office indicate that some recruiters used TikTok and other social media platforms to contact potential recruits. They then provided them with accommodation, passports, and plane tickets. Once in Russia, some victims reported having their documents withheld and not receiving the promised payments.

One of the most recent cases occurred on September 24, 2026, during Operation Sovereign Rescue, carried out by the Second Superior Prosecutor’s Office against Organized Crime and the National Police. Authorities raided a hostel and a restaurant in the 24 de Diciembre district, where they arrested three suspects.

The following day, a judge ordered the provisional detention of three Dominican citizens, identified as Joselyn Ramírez, Rolando Newball, and María Inés García. The suspects were charged with aggravated human trafficking and organized crime, related to the recruitment of Panamanians to participate in the armed conflict.

During the hearing, prosecutor Elizabeth Carrión argued that the three defendants allegedly received transfers exceeding $800,000 to finance recruitment activities. The investigation identified three men residing in Bocas del Toro who were contacted via TikTok and taken to the capital to obtain passports and prepare their departure for Russia.

According to the file, two of the potential recruits left the accommodation and alerted the police, suspecting they might be victims of exploitation. The third traveled to Russia but reported that he did not receive the promised $2,000 and subsequently requested consular assistance to return to Panama.

With these arrests, at least six people had been charged and detained in Panama in connection with recruitment investigations. Among those charged is Efraín Almengor, who was prosecuted for alleged human trafficking for labor exploitation. The investigations remain open, and the charges do not constitute final convictions.

The Panamanian government is maintaining diplomatic efforts with Russia and Ukraine to facilitate the return of its citizens. Martínez-Acha assured that the Foreign Ministry is assisting families and trying to obtain information about those who remain on the front lines, although he acknowledged that communication difficulties prevent them from knowing their situation precisely .