Bolivian Man Allegedly Lured to Fight for Russia in Ukraine Dies in Combat, Wife Says: 'He Received $50,000'

Key News on Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

(La Paz, Bolivia, April 14 - CNA via international news agencies) Bolivian prosecutors announced today they will launch an investigation after reports emerged that a Bolivian citizen may have been deceived by a fake job opportunity and lured to Russia to fight for Russian forces in Ukraine.

According to AFP, videos have recently circulated on social media showing Bolivian citizens in Russian military uniforms.

One video, believed to have been filmed in a conflict zone, features 29-year-old Bolivian citizen Jose Maria Soleto discussing his life on the battlefield, saying: 'Our adrenaline levels rise day by day.'

The video also shows his cousin and two other individuals believed to be from Peru and Colombia.

However, Soleto's wife said today that her husband has been killed on the battlefield in Ukraine.

In an interview with Bolivian channel Red Uno, she said her husband went to Russia in April after being offered a payment of $16,000 (approximately NT$509,600).

In addition to Bolivia, authorities in Peru and Colombia are also investigating cases involving their citizens possibly being illegally sent to the Russia-Ukraine warfront.

The Russian Embassy in Peru acknowledges that Peruvian citizens have signed contracts with the Russian armed forces; however, the embassy emphasizes that these individuals joined voluntarily and in full compliance with the law. (Translation: Tsai Chia-min) 1150715

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