Two Colombian Men Allegedly Kidnapped by Russia in Venezuela Following Conflict in Ukraine
Two Colombian men, Alexander Ante and Jose Aranda, were reportedly kidnapped by Russian authorities in Venezuela while returning home from fighting in Ukraine. After a lengthy search, they appeared in a video confirming their detention in Moscow. Currently, they face severe charges with the potential for long prison sentences, leaving their families distraught and seeking answers about their treatment.
Two Colombian men, Alexander Ante, 46, and Jose Aranda, 37, were allegedly kidnapped by Russian authorities while in Venezuela. Reports indicate that the men were abducted from Caracas as they were returning home after fighting in Ukraine. Their unlawful detention in Russia follows allegations of their participation in a Ukrainian military battalion, which has garnered controversial recognition.
Mr. Ante reportedly joined the 49th Infantry Battalion Karpatska Sic in 2023, utilizing his prior military experience from the Colombian army. Shortly after announcing his plans to return home in June 2024, Mr. Ante disappeared, prompting a 43-day search by his family. He later reappeared in a video released by Russian state media, which revealed their imprisonment in Moscow.
In the disturbing footage, Mr. Aranda is seen in handcuffs, while Mr. Ante appears visibly shaken. The men acknowledged their identities and affiliation with the battalion, which compensates foreign soldiers between $2,400 and $3,200 monthly for their service. Despite their attempts to reunite with family, neither man has had contact since, nor has their lawyer been reachable.
Mr. Ante’s mother, Otilia, expressed her despair stating, “I’m tired of living. I don’t know what else to do, always thinking about my son”. She fears for his well-being, lamenting, “I don’t know if he’s cold, if he’s hungry, or how they’re treating him. I know nothing. It’s so hard.” Currently, both individuals are detained, facing potential sentences of 12 to 18 years for mercenary charges, according to the Colombian ambassador to Russia.
Despite ongoing concerns and international calls for clarity, both Venezuela and Russia have not publicly addressed the situation involving the two men. The Russian media claims that their intelligence services were responsible for the capture, raising questions about the legality of their actions and treatment as they await trial.
The alarming case of Alexander Ante and Jose Aranda highlights the complexities of international conflict and the risks faced by foreign fighters. As they remain in custody under grave circumstances in Russia, their families endure emotional turmoil about their fates. This situation brings attention to the challenges involved in seeking justice and support for individuals caught in geopolitical struggles.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
