Five Sri Lankans held as prisoners of war in Ukraine

12 August 2024 07:57 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 5 Bookmark

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Colombo, August 12 (Daily Mirror) - Five Sri Lankan ex-soldiers who joined the Russian military and crossed the border have been arrested by the Ukrainian authorities and held up as prisoners of war, an informed source said yesterday.

Following media reports about Sri Lankans joining the militaries of Russia and Ukraine to fight, the Sri Lanka Embassy in Turkey, which is concurrently accredited to Ukraine, made inquiries about it.

The Ukrainian authorities informed the Sri Lankan mission on Saturday that five Sri Lankans had been held as prisoners of war. Besides, three Sri Lankans fighting with the Ukrainian forces had died in action.

Earlier, a ministerial delegation from Sri Lanka visited Moscow to secure the release of Sri Lankans who joined the Russian military.

Sri Lankans, mostly retired soldiers, had been duped into travelling to Russia with promises of good salaries and privileges including Russian citizenship, according to State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya.

However, they are found to have signed agreements with the Russian defence authorities, making it difficult to get them released. Some have even obtained Russian citizenship.

Comments - 5

Rip Winkle Monday, 12 August 2024 09:35 AM

They should've expected it when signing up, right?

0 14

Gamarala Monday, 12 August 2024 10:22 AM

Bad choosers even it be local elections.

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Anura Jayantha Monday, 12 August 2024 11:58 AM

No tax payers money should be spent on these people. They knew what they were doing and should face the consequences..

0 10

LankanLover Monday, 12 August 2024 01:25 PM

Why joining somewhere you have no connections with? Stupidity! they are paying the prices for their stupidity!

0 4

Terrence K Monday, 12 August 2024 03:36 PM

Don't blame these soldiers it was the ruling Rajapakse clan who brought chaos to this country as most of the public were unable to make ends meet. The thinking was it is better to die in honour rather die in starvation in a country where these politicians fleeced the public purse. The government should even now realize that the public are looking at our politicians to be honest without any blemish so that even in retirement they could lead a respectable life. It is these politicians who have caused this misery otherwise why should our professionals have left the countryfor greener pastures. The government should step in and ensure the safety of these soldiers who are no deserters but countrymen who have sought employment opportunities for their livelihoods!!!!!!!

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