Russian Detention of Colombians
Russian authorities have detained two Colombian men suspected of fighting for the Ukrainian military. This development comes as a shocking twist in their weeks-long disappearance since mid-July. Spy in Action in Russia.
Disappearance and Detention
The last time Cielo Imbachí heard from her husband was over 40 days ago, during a layover in Caracas, Venezuela. At that time, Jose Aron Medina was returning to Colombia after spending about nine months in Ukraine. He never made it home.
On Friday, a video released by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) showed Medina and his friend, Colombian Alexander Ante. The FSB accused them of participating as mercenaries in hostilities against the Russian Armed Forces. The Colombians carried documents confirming their illegal activities and wore clothing with the insignia of the Ukrainian Carpathian Sich battalion. Spy in Action in Russia.
Extradition and Court Order
State TV channel Russia 1 reported that Ante and Medina were detained in Venezuela and then extradited to Russia. The Lefortovsky District Court in Moscow ordered their detention on August 28. They will remain in custody until October 22, according to the court’s press service. Their detention and extradition highlight the strong economic and military ties between Russia and Venezuela. It also serves as a warning to foreign fighters who have supported Ukraine. Spy in Action in Russia.
Ukrainian Response
Ukraine’s International Legion, when contacted by CNN, stated that it does not provide information about its servicemen, whether current, future, or former. The Legion mentioned it is reaching out to other units where Colombians might be serving, noting that the situation sounds strange and unlikely. Meanwhile, Imbachí has received no information from any of the involved countries.
Family’s Distress
Imbachí, who has not spoken to her husband since July 18, expressed her distress. “We just saw the videos of him in a Moscow court,” she said. “Venezuela just took them and deported them to Russia, and we don’t understand why.” A Colombian government source informed that the foreign ministry is waiting for official reports from consulates in Caracas and Moscow to determine how to assist. The ministry has also requested additional information from Moscow through diplomatic channels.
Journey and Uncertainty
Medina, 36, and Ante, who are from Popayán, Colombia, were supposed to return to Popayán in July. Medina traveled from Warsaw, Poland, to Madrid, Spain, and then to Venezuela. It remains unclear why they chose to travel through Venezuela, given the direct flight options between Spain and Colombia. Imbachí suspects the route was cheaper. The missing-person flyer from Colombia’s attorney general reported their last known location as a Venezuelan airport on July 18, where they were seen in Ukrainian Army camouflaged clothing.
Diplomatic Efforts
On July 26, Imbachí and Colombian congressman Jose Uscategui visited the Venezuelan embassy in Bogotá. They sought to formally request the safe return of the two men. Venezuela and Russia have strengthened their relationship in recent years, with agreements including an extradition treaty.