Russia’s baiting and switching Latin Americans to fight its war

Russia seems to be losing the war in Ukraine , both morally and militarily. It was not a quick special operation. It has been a long and costly invasion, in which the Russians have had to seek out mercenaries in foreign countries, including Latin America.

In Mexico , Russia has recruited soldiers through social media platforms such as Facebook. Recruits are offered a $3,000 payment, accommodations, meals and a $28,000 bonus. Mexican authorities have confirmed 14 successful recruitments, although there could be many more.

But all that glitters is not gold. Job offers aimed at attracting potential recruits targeted construction and private security sectors. But upon arrival in Moscow , the plans changed: Their passports were confiscated. They were issued uniforms and sent to the front lines. The promised benefits and wages never materialized.

According to one estimate, since 2024, approximately 1,200 Peruvian citizens have enlisted in the Russian army. The vast majority received offers for jobs in kitchen services, security and transport. The package included a $2,500 monthly salary, accommodation and a bonus ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 .

Colombia has also been targeted by Russian recruitment efforts. After years from guerrilla warfare, terrorism and paramilitary violence, the nation has now a large population of impoverished, unemployed former combatants. They were the perfect target for Russian promises of a better life.

Offers circulating on social media and through word-of-mouth promised a monthly salary of $3,500, a $35,000 bonus and Russian citizenship. None of these promises are ever kept. As always, the Russian government denied any knowledge of these illicit operations, which were being repeated time and again.

Cases have also been reported in El Salvador , involving individuals who traveled to Russia seeking work, a good salary and other lucrative employment incentives. They received none of this; instead, they were sent to the front lines in Ukraine.

In Bolivia , Russia recruited impoverished individuals with similar offers and bonuses ranging from $16,000 to $20,000. Nearly 20 cases have been reported in Santa Cruz. The jobs targeted masons, plumbers, cooks and security guards. They were promised the moon and the stars but found only hell in a foreign land.

Russia has been using Cuban mercenaries since 2023 . The island’s soldiers are familiar with the weapons. They are both trained and paid cheaply, reducing Putin’s political cost to zero. No one in Moscow will complain about the deaths of foreign soldiers.

In 2025, Cuba took things to a new level. The number of Cuban mercenaries sent to Ukraine is on the rise, reaching 20,000 soldiers . The trend shows that Cuba could even surpass the number of troops coming from North Korea or failed African nations.

The young Cubans enlisted as Russian troops believed in promises of money and well-being for their families on the island. Instead, they have only found death, deception and dishonor. The Russian regime takes advantage of the need and desperation being experienced in Cuba and other countries. The offer includes $2,000 a month, Russian citizenship and 15 days of vacation every six months. It is an attractive promise that Putin has only half-fulfilled, generating desertions and discontent.

Russia is not winning the war, no matter how many churches, schools or civilian apartment buildings it bombs. In fact, it the day it invaded a sovereign country and decided to profit from poverty, recruiting soldiers through lies and false promises.

Russia’s strategy is illegal and criminal, yet unsurprising. Nevertheless, Latin American governments, with the support of the U.S., should join efforts to counter these deceptive Russian maneuvers and ensure that the Americas remain a free, prosperous and secure region for all.

Arturo McFields is an exiled journalist, former Nicaraguan ambassador to the Organization of American States, and a former member of the Norwegian Peace Corps. He is an alumnus of the National Defense University’s Security and Defense Seminar and the Harvard Leadership course.