Dominican man reportedly ends up in Russia-Ukraine war after traveling for mechanic job
Santo Domingo.- A Dominican man who traveled to Russia after receiving a job offer as a mechanic is reportedly involved in the war between Russia and Ukraine, according to his family and broadcaster Lorenny Solano, a childhood friend.
Jonathan Alberto Pinales, from the Buenos Aires sector of Herrera, left the Dominican Republic on August 5. According to a complaint filed by his family, he understood that he would work as a mechanic providing services connected to Russian military structures, but not participate in combat.
Concern grew after Pinales appeared during a video call with relatives wearing olive-green camouflage. He reportedly told his family that the clothing was his work uniform.
On September 28, however, Pinales allegedly contacted his sister and asked for help leaving the location where he was staying. According to the family, he said he was frightened and in danger and asked that Solano be contacted to help bring him home.
“He is terrified and wants to get out of there,” Solano said while publicly discussing the case.
The family filed a complaint with the National Police on September 29 and also contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting consular assistance to determine Pinales’ whereabouts and circumstances and to facilitate his return to the Dominican Republic.
The communication was addressed to Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó through Deputy Minister for Consular and Migration Affairs Opinio Díaz, with documents related to Pinales’ trip attached.
Solano has called for an investigation into the recruitment process, including who arranged the job offers, how the trips were financed and whether other Dominicans may have traveled to Russia under similar circumstances. According to the family’s complaint, Pinales had previously mentioned that other Dominicans from Haina were planning to travel to Russia under comparable arrangements.
The family is awaiting concrete information from Dominican authorities regarding Pinales’ location, circumstances and the steps being taken to assist him.
