From Indians To Peruvians: How Foreign Job Seekers Ended Up In Ukraine War

Last Updated:June 28, 2026, 20:27 IST

Peruvians lured to Russia with job promises, coerced into military service in Ukraine, mirroring Indian cases, as Russia allegedly recruits foreign nationals for its war.

The story of Peruvian nationals ending up on the frontlines of Russia’s war in Ukraine has drawn comparisons with a similar ordeal faced by dozens of Indian citizens who were allegedly duped by recruitment agents with promises of lucrative jobs abroad.

A CNN investigation reported that several Peruvians were recruited through social media and intermediaries, offered high salaries and Russian residency before being sent into combat in Ukraine. Many families later lost contact with their relatives, while some were confirmed killed in the conflict.

What Happened To The Peruvians?

According to the report, recruiters targeted unemployed or financially struggling Peruvians, promising construction work, security jobs or well-paid contracts in Russia. Once they arrived, many alleged they were pressured or coerced into signing military contracts and deployed to the frontlines.

Several Peruvian families have since appealed to their government for help locating relatives who went missing after travelling to Russia.

How It Mirrors The Indian Case

The Peruvian cases closely resemble what happened to several Indian citizens in 2024 and 2025.

Dozens of Indians, many from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Karnataka and other states, travelled to Russia after agents allegedly promised jobs as helpers, security guards or support staff. Instead, many found themselves recruited into the Russian military and sent to fight in Ukraine. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that more than 120 Indians had joined the Russian military, with several later discharged and repatriated after diplomatic intervention. At least 12 Indians have died while fighting in the conflict, while some others were reported missing. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

How The Recruitment Worked

In both the Indian and Peruvian cases, investigators say recruitment agents used social media advertisements and overseas employment agencies to lure job seekers with promises of high-paying civilian work, residency permits and better economic opportunities.

Families later alleged that many recruits were forced or misled into signing Russian military contracts after reaching the country. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

India’s Response

Following reports of Indians being trapped in the conflict, New Delhi repeatedly raised the issue with Moscow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also discussed the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin during bilateral engagements, after which Russia agreed to facilitate the discharge of Indian nationals recruited into its armed forces.

The MEA has consistently warned Indian citizens against falling for fraudulent overseas recruitment offers linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and has urged people to verify employment opportunities through official channels before travelling abroad. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

A Wider Recruitment Pattern

The CNN investigation suggests the recruitment of Peruvians may be part of a broader effort by Russia to supplement its military ranks by attracting foreign nationals with financial incentives. Similar allegations have surfaced involving citizens from India, Nepal, Cuba and several African and Latin American countries since the war began.

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