Russia’s Recruitment Tactics in Latin America during the Ukraine Conflict
Russia faces challenges in the ongoing Ukraine conflict both morally and militarily. This war has not been a swift operation but rather a prolonged invasion. Due to the lengthy and costly nature of the conflict, Russia has sought mercenaries from various foreign nations, including Latin American countries.
In Mexico, recruitment efforts have utilized platforms like Facebook, offering enticing packages such as a $3,000 payment, accommodations, meals, and a $28,000 bonus to recruits. However, once arriving in Moscow, recruits reportedly faced an unexpected change in plans, where passports were confiscated, uniforms were issued, and individuals were sent to the frontline without receiving the promised benefits.
Mexican authorities acknowledge 14 confirmed recruitments but suspect the actual number could be higher. The job offers originally focused on construction and private security but shifted drastically upon arrival in Russia.
Similarly, since 2024, around 1,200 Peruvian citizens have reportedly joined the Russian army under promises of jobs in kitchen services, security, and transport, with packs including a monthly salary of $2,500, accommodations, and bonuses between $20,000 and $50,000.
In Colombia, Russian recruitment strategies have targeted former combatants facing poverty and unemployment, offering enticing promises of $3,500 monthly salaries, $35,000 bonuses, and Russian citizenship. None of these promises are fulfilled, leading to an increase in job postings on social media and word-of-mouth tactics.
El Salvador has reported cases of individuals traveling to Russia seeking lucrative employment opportunities but instead being placed on the front lines. Bolivia’s Santa Cruz saw nearly 20 cases of recruitments under similar offers targeting masons, plumbers, cooks, and security guards.
Since 2023, Cuba has been integral in supplying mercenaries. These individuals, familiar with weapons systems, are both trained and cost-effective for Russia. This minimizes political backlash in Moscow while increasing the number of Cuban mercenaries, exceeding even numbers from North Korea or African nations.
By 2025, Cuban enlistment under Russian forces rose, with promises of $2,000 monthly salaries and 15-day vacations every six months. Nonetheless, the partially fulfilled promises led to desertions and dissatisfaction, highlighting Russia’s exploitation of dire living conditions in Cuba and other nations.
Russia’s current approach, marked by deception, highlights its inability to win the war despite aggressive strategies such as bombing civilian sites. Latin American governments, alongside U.S. support, should unify to stop Russia’s misleading recruitment practices and ensure peace and safety in the Americas.
The piece reflects commentary by Arturo McFields, a journalist exiled from Nicaragua, former ambassador to the Organization of American States, and a member of the Norwegian Peace Corps. He is a graduate of the National Defense University’s Security and Defense Seminar and Harvard Leadership course.