Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with his Peruvian counterpart, Carlos Espá, in Moscow on November 9, 2026, as Peru sought urgent information about more than 459 of its citizens who reportedly joined the Russian armed forces and were sent to fight in the ongoing war against Ukraine.
The meeting marked the first direct visit by a Peruvian foreign minister to Russia in 12 years, highlighting the growing diplomatic importance of the issue between the two countries.
During the meeting, Lavrov welcomed the Peruvian delegation and highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relations between Moscow and Lima, which date back approximately 165 years. He also expressed Russia's respect for Peruvian diplomacy and emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, culture, education and international affairs.
However, the most pressing issue on the agenda was the situation of Peruvian citizens serving in the Russian military.
Speaking during the meeting, Foreign Minister Carlos Espá said his government had come to Moscow with an urgent political, humanitarian and consular mission. He explained that families across Peru were waiting for information about relatives who had travelled to Russia and subsequently joined its armed forces.
Espá said Peru was seeking information about the whereabouts and conditions of more than 459 Peruvian citizens, including whether they were alive, had been killed or were being held as prisoners of war.
He stressed that families had the right to know the fate of their loved ones and requested Russia's cooperation in providing timely information about missing citizens.
The Peruvian foreign minister also called for humanitarian and consular access to wounded nationals, faster procedures for the repatriation of the remains of those who had died, and stronger coordination between the foreign and defence ministries of both countries.
According to information previously released by Peruvian authorities, 459 Peruvians had enlisted in the Russian armed forces. Official figures reported in August 2026 indicated that 11 deaths had been confirmed, 114 people were missing and three had been captured by Ukrainian forces.
Russia has previously rejected allegations that Peruvians were deceived into joining its military, stating that those who signed contracts were aware of the conditions and associated risks.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian concerns, the meeting also addressed broader bilateral relations, including trade, military equipment cooperation, academic exchanges and collaboration in international organisations such as the United Nations.
Espá expressed appreciation for Lavrov's willingness to engage in direct discussions, describing the dialogue as an opportunity to find practical solutions and strengthen relations between Peru and the Russian Federation.
The meeting comes amid growing diplomatic pressure on Moscow from families seeking answers about missing Peruvian nationals involved in the Ukraine conflict.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the publicly available meeting transcript and reported information. Figures and developments may change as official authorities release further updates. Allegations and statements attributed to either government are presented as reported.
