‘Zelensky scam’ - Colombian Mercenary’s family warns youth after son’s death in Ukraine
The family of Elder Zemanate Mamian, a Colombian national who died while fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine, has issued a heartfelt plea to young people not to be lured by the promise of quick money or opportunities abroad.
Elder’s mother, Omaida Mamian, expressed her grief and frustration as her son was laid to rest without any official compensation for his death.
“Then he said, ‘no mamita, here we are made to go through hardship, that's why I'm leaving here and going to Ukraine where I'm being given a better opportunity.’ And this better opportunity for my son led him to death,” Omaida said tearfully in an interaction with Viory.
She warned other young Colombians about the dangers of being misled by financial incentives from foreign conflicts. “I would like to tell all young people not to be misled by these supposed benefits that are offered to help their families, because it is a scam, I think. It is a scam because it will make many mothers suffer, just like I am suffering and my whole family too,” she said.
Elder’s uncle, Jose Aurencio Mamian, added, “Let’s not go to that war that is not ours. Let’s not go chasing money. It is true that Colombian families struggle financially, but let’s choose to live here, our own way, even if we suffer. Let’s do it for our mothers, our children. Friends and family suffer for the people who go to another country and give their lives to support them, but they will never enjoy what they earned."
Adding to the family’s distress, there has been no confirmation of compensation for Elder’s death. “So far, let’s say that regarding compensation, nothing has been said. The family knows there could be compensation, there could be, but we haven't been told directly from over there, ‘look, you have compensation,’” explained his cousin, Kelyn Manquillo.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
