Itamaraty accompanies people from Pará detained by Russian forces in Ukraine after reporting a mistake
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed this Wednesday (24) that it is monitoring the situation of Brazilian citizen Herik Ferreira Soares, aged 23. Born in Castanhal, in the northeast of Pará, Herik was intercepted by Russian military troops in the midst of the conflict ravaging Ukraine.
Information released by Itamaraty indicates that the Brazilian Embassy in Moscow has established contact with the young man’s family and is seeking clarification from the Russian authorities.
The case gained visibility after a video was circulated. In the images, the boy appears visibly shaken and reports having been deceived by a job offer.
In the recording, the Brazilian explains that he left the country with the expectation of performing a support role, far from the combat areas, but ended up being directed directly to the confrontation.
“I ended up in Ukraine because of false advertising, hoping for work in the rear, in a safe place, and they lied to me.”
Young man details job promise and the frontline scenario
In the video testimony, Herik says that he was sent into a high-intensity conflict without being warned that he would have a combat role. According to his words, the pre-trip agreement was for a different activity, but the reality found in Ukraine was completely different.
“They sent me to the front line, to combat, an intense confrontation, and that’s not what they promised. It wasn’t what was agreed. My role was not as a combatant, but as support.”
The young man from Pará expresses his regret and suggests that foreigners would be seen as “disposable” by the troops involved in the conflict.
Herik’s emotional appeal to his family
At another point in the recording, Herik addresses his mother, apologizing for not listening to family advice before returning to Ukraine, after a visit to Brazil the previous year.
He also issues a strong warning to others not to accept proposals linked to war in search of financial rewards.
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According to the young man’s report, the promised amount does not justify the dangers inherent to the conflict nor the suffering imposed on families.
Itamaraty reiterates warnings about recruitment in foreign wars
Herik’s arrest comes at a time when the Brazilian government has reinforced its warnings about the enlistment of citizens in armed conflicts outside the country.
In an official statement issued in February this year, Itamaraty advised Brazilians to refuse invitations to join foreign forces or accept job offers linked to war zones.
In the report, the ministry highlighted that enlisted individuals may face serious difficulties leaving the battlefields and that consular assistance may be limited by contractual obligations assumed during recruitment. Participation in foreign armed conflicts without the consent of the country of origin can even generate severe legal implications under international law.
The official guidance also emphasizes that this decision may entail serious and long-term risks for those who decide to participate in such recruitment.
Clarifications from Itamaraty on consular support
In a note, Itamaraty declared that “consular activities follow the regulations of national and international legislation” and that “it does not reveal personal information of citizens who seek consular services”.
The agency also announced that it “maintains contact with the Brazilian’s family and the Russian authorities to obtain additional details about the case.”
Until the last update of this report, the ministry did not provide information about Herik’s detention conditions or possible negotiations for his eventual repatriation. The case remains under the close supervision of Brazilian diplomacy.
