Bolivian Justice Minister Roger Mariaca announced an investigation on 14/7, following complaints from the families of two men who claimed they were lured to Russia to enlist and died on the Ukrainian battlefield.

Photos of Jose Maria Soleto, 29, and Ivan Valdivia, 28, during a memorial service organized by their families in Santa Cruz on 13/7. Photo: La Patria

Mariaca stated that the anti-human trafficking agency has begun verifying allegations of "people being deceived into going to Russia and other countries". He urged victims' families to come forward with more information.

According to local media reports, the two victims, Jose Maria Soleto, 29, and his cousin Ivan Valdivia, 28, traveled to Russia in April after being promised an income of 16,000 USD.

Tania Valdivia, Valdivia's mother, said the two cousins left "quietly, without telling the family". Her son worked as a bricklayer and plumber. She speculated he might have gone abroad to seek a better life for his wife and children, as the family was poor.

Soleto later posted videos on social media showing himself in Russian military uniform, describing life on the front lines in the Ukrainian battlefield. Valdivia, his cousin, and two others, appearing to be Peruvian and Colombian citizens, also featured in the videos.

"Every day presented dramatic and intense moments for us", he said.

Paola Bazan, Soleto's wife, said she spoke with her husband daily, with their last contact on 3/6. She reported that a person claiming to be Soleto's commander contacted her to inform her that he died on 8/6. Last week, the family received news of Valdivia's death.

"So far, we have not received any information about the two men. They just abruptly informed us of their deaths", Bazan said.

On 13/7, the families of Soleto and Valdivia held a symbolic memorial service for the two men in Santa Cruz.

"I wish this were just a cruel joke. I want to see my son here. I still hope my son is alive. I want to know if he is okay, if he is alive or dead", Tania said.

Valdivia next to photos of her son and nephew. Photo: La Patria

The families of Soleto and Valdivia expressed their desire for government assistance in clarifying the information. If their deaths are confirmed, they want their loved ones' remains repatriated.

Peruvian and Colombian authorities are also investigating allegations of a network recruiting citizens to the Ukrainian battlefield.

The Russian Embassy in Lima confirmed that some Peruvians had signed contracts to join the Russian armed forces. However, it asserted this was a legal act based on personal choice.

In June, the Bolivian Embassy in Moscow issued a statement warning citizens about "high-paying job advertisements related to armed conflict". It urged young people not to "contact such job brokers" and to immediately inform authorities.

Hong Hanh (According to AFP, La Patria)