Brazilian Herik Ferreira Soares, born in Pará, published a video on social media in which he says he was captured by Russian military forces in Ukraine. THE stated that “is aware of the case.” and that “is in contact with the national’s family, providing them with consular assistance”.
Herik Soares claims to have traveled to Ukraine to perform a support role away from the fighting, but was drawn into the war. called it “lying propaganda” of Ukrainians and said he regretted his decision to go to the country. “They lied to me and sent me to the front line, for an intense confrontation. That was not what they promised. My service was not that of a combatant”he stated.
In the video, Herik Soares thanked the Russian fighters for their medical help.
The Brazilian also appealed to other people not to voluntarily enlist in the conflict in search of financial gains. According to him, money does not compensate for the risks of war.
Read the full note from Itamaraty:
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Brazilian Embassy in Moscow, is aware of the case and is in contact with the national’s family, providing them with consular assistance. The Embassy is also in contact with the Russian authorities, seeking additional information about the case.
“Brazil’s consular activities are guided by international and national legislation.
“It should be noted that the provision of consular assistance in situations involving nationals engaged in the armed forces of third countries presents specificities, inherent to the obligations contracted at the time of enlistment and the circumstances in the field of operations.
“In compliance with the right to privacy and in compliance with the provisions of the Access to Information Law and decree 7,724 of 2012, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not disclose personal information of citizens who request consular services nor does it provide details about the assistance provided to Brazilians.
“It is reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a warning about the participation of Brazilian combatants in armed conflicts in third countries.”
