Bogota, Colombia: The Russian Embassy in Colombia denied on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, that it has ties to suspected recruitment networks enlisting Colombians to fight in the war in Ukraine. The President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated that at least 7,000 Colombians are fighting in Russia and Ukraine for money. Family members of retired military personnel hired to provide security services abroad have reported mistreatment of their relatives in both countries. The United Nations estimated in March that at least 10,000 Colombians have been recruited abroad to participate in armed conflicts around the world. In November, Russia sentenced two Colombians to 13 years in prison on accusations that they fought for the armed forces of Ukraine.