Sri Lanka demands compensation from Russia for its citizens who died in the war in Ukraine

A delegation from Sri Lanka has called on Russia to allow its citizens, who are fighting against Ukraine, to return home.

The Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported this.

According to the ministry, the country's delegation, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Taraka Balasuriya, visited the Russian Federation from June 26 to June 27, 2024. Discussions were held with representatives of the aggressor country regarding Sri Lankans who are fighting for Russia on a contractual basis.

Sri Lanka also demands compensation from Russia for the deaths of 17 citizens in the war against Ukraine. In addition, Sri Lanka demands the early termination of contracts and the settlement of financial matters for citizens who are still fighting.

Due to Russia's shortage of personnel for the war against Ukraine, the Kremlin is recruiting mercenaries from other countries. In particular, it has been previously confirmed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces captured mercenaries from Sri Lanka in the Chasiv Yar area of Donetsk region.

In May of this year, Sri Lanka announced an investigation into the fate of its citizens who were sent to Russia.