Venezuela Extradites Two Colombians Who Fought for Ukraine to Russia

On August 30, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of two Colombian nationals accused of participating in combat operations on the side of Ukraine. FSB falsely alleges the accused to be mercenaries, despite them reportedly being members of the International Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo, the individuals were detained in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, and later extradited to Russia.

The sister of one of the detainees reported that they attracted the attention of Venezuelan police due to the Ukrainian military uniforms they had with them. The detainees, Alexander Arte and José Aron Medina, were reportedly on their way home to Colombia with a stopover in Caracas.

Notably, authorities in Colombia, Venezuela, and Russia have not yet commented on the situation. However, if the extradition is confirmed, it would mark the first known instance of foreign citizens who fought on Ukraine’s side being handed over to Russia.

The FSB also released a video purportedly showing the detained Colombians being led through the corridors of the Lefortovo detention center. The agency stated that a criminal case has been opened against them on charges of mercenarism, which could lead to up to 15 years in prison. The FSB did not clarify where and when the Colombians were apprehended.

The unit is considered an official military formation, and a part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Under Article 47 2(e) of the Geneva Convention, members of armed forces are not considered to be mercenaries.