Venezuela detained and handed over Colombians who fought for Ukraine - media.

Two Colombian citizens who fought for Ukraine detained

The Federal Security Service of Russia reported that two Colombian citizens suspected of participating in hostilities on the side of Ukraine have been detained. Alexander Antsta and Jose Aron Medina were arrested and placed in a strict detention center Lefortovo in Moscow. Hiring mercenaries in Russia is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

According to the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo and the publication Politico, the arrest took place in July at the Caracas airport when Colombians were returning home. The sister of one of the detainees stated that the attention of Venezuelan law enforcement officers was drawn to the Ukrainian military uniform they had with them.

After being detained in Venezuela, the Colombians were extradited to Russia. This is probably the first known case of the extradition of foreign citizens who fought for Ukraine to the Russian Federation. Experts believe that this arrest and extradition may be aimed at intimidating other foreigners considering joining Ukrainian forces.

The FSB released a video showing the detained Colombians walking through the Lefortovo pretrial detention center. However, details of the Time and place of their detention are not disclosed.

Venezuela maintains close ties with Russia, like Nicolas Maduro. Recently, the Supreme Court of Venezuela recognized Maduro's victory in the elections, although many countries demand the publication of detailed voting results.

In turn, Russia actively recruits mercenaries from abroad to participate in the war against Ukraine. The Russian authorities also support such mercenary groups as "Wagner," who, in addition to the war in Ukraine, are also actively involved in Africa.