Two Colombian men, Alexander Ante and Jose Aranda, reportedly kidnapped by Russian authorities in Venezuela after fighting in Ukraine. Ante had joined a controversial battalion, Karpatska Sic, and both men disappeared during their return home. They later appeared in a Russian video amidst allegations of punishment, and families are struggling to communicate with them while they face potential lengthy prison sentences.

Reports indicate that two Colombian nationals, Alexander Ante, aged 46, and Jose Aranda, aged 37, were allegedly kidnapped by Russian authorities in Venezuela after they had been fighting for Ukraine. The men were abducted in Caracas while attempting to return home from the front lines in Ukraine, highlighting the dangerous entanglements experienced by foreign fighters.

Alexander Ante joined the controversial 49th Infantry Battalion Karpatska Sic, known for its neo-Nazi affiliations, in 2023. He had previous experience in the Colombian army combating guerrillas. His disappearance followed a text to his mother, asking her to save some traditional stew for him, leading to a frantic 43-day search by his family.

The men resurfaced in a video released by Russian state media, where they confirmed their identities while appearing in a state of duress. The footage depicted Ante and Aranda in handcuffs, surrounded by masked guards, suggesting they were being punished for their actions in Ukraine. Foreign fighters in their battalion reportedly earn between $2,400 to £3,200 monthly.

Aranda had sent a video to his family while embarking on their journey, conveying a sense of normalcy before they both disappeared. He had intended to celebrate his upcoming birthday in Colombia but never arrived, leaving his family anxious and without communication. Since their capture, both families have been unable to contact the men or their assigned legal representation in Russia.

Otilia, Ante’s mother, expressed her despair, stating, “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…”. Both Venezuelan and Russian officials have remained tight-lipped about the incident, with Russian media asserting that intelligence operatives apprehended the men without providing further details.

Both Alexander and Jose Aron are currently held in custody for six months on remand and face extensive prison sentences ranging from 12 to 18 years on charges of being mercenaries, as indicated by the Colombian ambassador to Russia, Héctor Arenas Neira.

The abduction of Alexander Ante and Jose Aranda ostensibly highlights the perilous situation for foreign fighters entangled in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Their fate remains uncertain as they face potential lengthy prison sentences in Russia, while their families live in a state of anxiety and helplessness, cut off from communication. The situation raises concerns regarding international relations and the treatment of individuals involved in foreign military engagements.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk

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