Colombia reports 256 citizens dead and 973 missing in Russia-Ukraine war

Colombia's Foreign Ministry said it has received reports of 256 Colombian citizens killed and 973 missing in the Russia-Ukraine armed conflict. The figures were released on Thursday, October 29, and come through diplomatic and consular channels. They remain subject to verification and updating.

Of the reported deaths, 162 cases came from Ukraine and 94 from the Russian Federation. Regarding missing persons, Ukraine reported 676 cases while Russia reported 297. The ministry stressed that a missing-person report does not necessarily mean the person has died.

“From the Foreign Ministry we continue to carry out the diplomatic and consular management within our reach to address the requests received and provide guidance and accompaniment to compatriots and their families.”

The ministry has also received 1,927 consular assistance requests related to the war. Of these, 1,013 are associated with Russia and 914 with Ukraine. Diplomatic and consular efforts continue to track cases, contact families, and guide Colombian nationals and their relatives.

The government warned about foreign job offers that may be tied to recruitment mechanisms linking citizens to foreign armed forces. Colombia does not promote, sponsor, or participate in recruiting its citizens for international armed conflicts. Deputy Minister Pedro Agustín Roa Arboleda said the ministry continues its diplomatic and consular work to assist families.

Ukrainian rescuers worked at the site of a Russian attack in a residential area of Kharkiv on the night of October 27. The ministry's statement did not connect that attack directly to the Colombian casualty figures.

The two outlets published the same ministry figures on October 29, with Vanguardia Liberal releasing its report two hours after El Espectador.