The founder of the Russian colony in Paraguay, Ivan Belyaev, was born in St. Petersburg into a military family. Following his father's example, he chose a military career, graduated from the Artillery School, and served in the 2nd Artillery Brigade. During World War I, Belyaev fought on the Caucasian front and was awarded the Order of St. George. After the revolution, he did not accept the new order and emigrated with the remnants of the White Guard.

Overcoming the hardships of emigration, Belyaev found himself in South America. On March 8, 1924, he arrived in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay. Belyaev explained his decision by saying that he was drawn to the indigenous people and was looking for a place to preserve Russian culture. In America, he decided to create a refuge for Russian emigrants who had knowledge and skills. The Paraguayan authorities bet on the Russians, which contributed to the development of the economy. One of the new settlers, Tumanov, noted that the Russian colony lived as if at home: doctors treated, engineers built, professors gave lectures, and generals served in the army.

From the late 1920s, Belyaev, at the request of President Ayala, began to form the regular armed forces of Paraguay. He invited 80 Russian officers, and the army began to perform Russian marches. In 1931, the Chief of Staff informed the Minister of Defense about the soldiers' readiness for battle. In June of the following year, Bolivia began a war with Paraguay for the oil-rich territory of Chaco Boreal, which Paraguay won.

In the battles for their new homeland, 6 Russian officers died, who were awarded orders at Belyaev's suggestion. In Asuncion, there are now streets named after Vasily Malyutin, Nikolai Golshmidt, Boris Kasyanov, Sergey Salazkin, Vasily Orefyev, and Viktor Kornilovich.