Brazilian fighter captured in Ukraine regrets and asks his mother for forgiveness for returning to the conflict
A young man from Pará from Castanhal, located in the northeast of Pará, who was detained by Russian military forces during the war in Ukraine, sent an emotional message to his mother. In the message, he expressed regret for not having followed family advice before returning to the country, where he had already been in 2025.
“Mom, forgive me for not listening to what you said as soon as I arrived in Brazil last year, and for returning here to this hell (…) to a war that is not mine.”
The Brazilian made an urgent appeal for other people not to accept job offers linked to conflict zones, even if they involve financial promises. According to the boy, the amounts paid do not compensate for the dangers of war nor the suffering imposed on the families involved.
The situation of Herik Ferreira Soares, 23 years old, was officially confirmed on Wednesday (24) by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Itamaraty, through the Brazilian Embassy in Moscow, is in contact with both the family and the Russian authorities to obtain more information about the case.
The incident gained prominence after the circulation of a video in which the young man appears visibly emotional, claiming to have been deceived by a job offer.
In the recording, Herik also details that he left Brazil believing that he would play a support role, far from the combat lines. However, he ended up being sent directly to the front.
“I ended up in Ukraine from lying propaganda in Ukraine with the intention of serving in the rear, to work in a safe place, and they lied to me.”
Details about Herik’s deception
In his recorded statement, Herik stated that he was directed into an intense confrontation without any prior warning that he would act as a combatant. He reiterated that the initial promise was of a different type of work, and the reality found in Ukraine proved to be completely different from what was presented to him.
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“They sent me to the front line, to combat, intense confrontation, and that was not what they promised me. That was not the agreement. My service was not as a combatant, but in the rear.”
The man from Pará expressed deep remorse, highlighting that foreigners in the troops would be treated as “disposable”.
Brazilian government warnings against recruitment
Herik’s case occurs during a period of intense warnings issued by the Brazilian government, which advises against recruiting citizens to participate in armed conflicts in other countries.
In a statement released in February this year, Itamaraty strongly recommended that Brazilians refuse any invitation to join foreign forces or accept job offers related to wars. Herik’s return to Ukraine in 2025, before being captured and after a period in Brazil, highlights the importance of these warnings.
The ministry emphasized in its warning that individuals who enlist may face serious difficulties leaving the fighting, and consular assistance may be severely limited by obligations assumed at the time of conscription.
The official guidance from Itamaraty also reinforces that this decision to get involved in external conflicts can entail serious and long-lasting risks for those who decide to accept recruitment.
Official position of Itamaraty
In a note, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that “consular activities follow the rules of national and international legislation” and that “it does not disclose personal information of citizens who seek consular services”.
The diplomatic body also reported that it “maintains contact with the Brazilian’s family and the Russian authorities to obtain more details” about the situation.
At the time of this report’s last update, the ministry had not released details about Herik’s detention conditions or whether there are negotiations for possible repatriation. Monitoring the case remains the responsibility of Brazilian diplomacy.
