At least six Panamanians have died and 15 remain missing after becoming involved in the war between Russia and Ukraine, according to an official report obtained by La Prensa.
The report, dated September 15, lists another 70 Panamanians as still active or otherwise linked to the conflict and present in combat areas. Eighteen citizens have been repatriated from Russia and Ukraine.
The figures cover Panamanians associated with both sides of the war. The available information does not provide a complete breakdown showing how many joined Russian forces, how many entered Ukrainian units or how each of the reported deaths was confirmed.
Cases involving Panamanians recruited by Russia have received particular attention following reports of intermediaries offering travel, contracts or military employment. Individual accounts indicate that some recruits reached Russia without fully understanding the conditions they would face before being deployed.
The government has now raised the matter directly at the United Nations.
During a Security Council meeting in New York on September 23, Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha asked both Russia and Ukraine to facilitate the return of Panamanians who want to leave the conflict. He said any returns would have to comply with the laws and decisions of the two countries.
The Foreign Ministry thanked Ukraine for cooperating in previous repatriations but did not announce a new agreement or timetable for additional returns.
The six deaths and 15 disappearances illustrate the risks faced by foreign recruits, including uncertain contracts, restricted communication and difficulty recovering or formally identifying people killed near the front.
The numerical findings come from a report obtained by La Prensa rather than a document published in full by the Foreign Ministry. The precise status of people classified as missing or active could therefore change as authorities receive new information.
Sources: La Prensa, Foreign Ministery
