Russia confirmed its intention to open talks with De la Espriella and took a swipe at the Petro administration: “Unauthorized contractors”

The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Colombia announced on Thursday, September 3, its willingness to resume bilateral cooperation regarding the maintenance of the Colombian National Army’s Mi-17 helicopter fleet. As part of this communication, the Russian diplomatic mission expressed an intention to engage in dialogue with lawyer Abelardo De la Espriella regarding the matter.

In its statement, the Russian embassy characterized current efforts to address the maintenance of these aircraft by other parties as involving unauthorized contractors. This development highlights ongoing diplomatic and logistical complexities surrounding the upkeep of Russian-made military equipment currently operated by the Colombian government.