Two Colombian men, Alexander Ante and Jose Aranda, were allegedly kidnapped by Russian authorities in Venezuela after fighting in Ukraine. They have been extradited to Moscow, with families expressing concern for their wellbeing. The men face serious charges of mercenary activities.
Two Colombian nationals, Alexander Ante, aged 46, and Jose Aranda, aged 37, reportedly suffered abduction at the hands of Vladimir Putin in Venezuela after participating in the conflict in Ukraine. They were intercepted in Caracas while trying to return home and subsequently extradited to Russia, as affirmed by a report from The Daily Telegraph.
Mr. Ante, having joined the 49th Infantry Battalion Karpatska Sic in 2023, utilized his military experience from the Colombian army. Tragically, after notifying his mother to prepare a traditional Colombian stew for him in June 2024, he vanished without a trace.
A desperate search by Mr. Ante’s family continued for 43 days until they identified him, alongside Mr. Aranda, in a video shared by Russia’s state media outlet, RT. The men were shown detained in Moscow as a consequence of their actions, confirming their affiliation with Karpatska Sic, wherein foreign fighters can earn substantial monthly salaries.
The distressing footage depicted Mr. Aranda appearing visibly shaken as he reported their circumstances, with Mr. Ante nervously identifying himself. Mr. Aranda also shared a video of their departure from Madrid; however, he did not return to his family in Popayán for his birthday celebration, causing alarm amongst loved ones.
Unfortunately, both families have failed to establish contact with their loved ones or the legal representatives assigned by the Russian authorities. “I do not know if he is cold, if he is hungry, or how they are treating him. I know nothing. It is so hard…” lamented Mr. Ante’s mother, Otilia.
Venezuela and Russia have maintained a muted response regarding the incident, with RT stating that the men were captured by Russian intelligence. The Colombian ambassador to Russia, Héctor Arenas Neira, informed that they are currently held as remanded prisoners, facing potential 12 to 18-year sentences for charges of mercenary activity.
In summary, Alexander Ante and Jose Aranda, two Colombian soldiers involved in the conflict in Ukraine, have been allegedly kidnapped by Russian authorities in Venezuela and are currently detained in Moscow. Their families remain in distress, fearing for their wellbeing under challenging circumstances, while Venezuelan and Russian officials have refrained from commenting on the matter.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
