The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia summoned the Ambassador of Colombia in Moscow, Hector Arenas Neira, in connection with the statements issued by the Colombian authorities about the three Colombian citizens affected by the attack in the city of Kramatorsk. According to the Ministry, the legitimate target of the Russian military was a temporary post of Ukrainian commanders, and at the time of the attack, the Colombian citizens were in a restaurant located in the same building. It was stated that these citizens were aware of the risks associated with being near the zone of military action and wished them a speedy recovery.
The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that it values the life of each individual and recalled the tragic events during the conflict in Donbass since 2014. It was also mentioned that the Ukrainian military has deployed weapons in civilian areas and used the population as human shields, as well as perpetrating acts of sabotage and attacks on Russian territory. Disappointment was expressed at the lack of reaction on the part of the Colombian leadership to these events.
In addition, the Ministry highlighted the need to recommend that Colombian citizens refrain from visiting areas that are in military conflict zones.
It is worth mentioning that, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the attack in Kramatorsk resulted in the elimination of two generals, about 50 officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and about 20 foreign mercenaries who participated in a meeting.
Following the incident, Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused Russia of attacking three defenseless Colombian civilians and violating war protocols. The Russian Embassy in Colombia responded that Kramatorsk was not a suitable place to enjoy Ukrainian cuisine and expressed regret over the events. The embassy reiterated its call to Colombian citizens to refrain from visiting areas affected by war.
In summary, the meeting between the Colombian ambassador and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs took place due to differences in interpretations of the events in Kramatorsk, and the Ministry reiterated its recommendation to avoid visiting areas of military conflict.