A Cuban, identified as Frank Darío Jarrosay Manfuga, 36 years old, who has been captured for months by Ukrainian forces amid the conflict with Russia, has made new statements regarding the involvement of fellow nationals in the war.
The news website Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty recalled that Manfuga worked in Cuba as a geography teacher and musician, and that he may have been recruited under false promises of employment in construction and sent to the front lines without a clear understanding of the situation.
During an interrogation released by Ukrainian authorities, the prisoner expressed: “I didn't know what was happening in this war”, in a tone that reflected confusion and regret.
Manfuga stated that he never intended to participate in the war or kill anyone, and that he was deceived into traveling to Russia with the promise of a job. According to his own statements, information about the war in Cuba is limited and the official narrative portrays the conflict as a dispute between armies without further details.
This case is not isolated. According to a U.S.-based NGO, it is estimated that around 5,000 Cubans have been recruited to fight in Ukraine under various circumstances.
Some have been tracked through social media and geotags on photos posted since 2023, which has made it possible to locate Cuban units in Russian bases such as the one in Tula, home to the 106th Airborne Division, involved in the battle for Bakhmut.
Many Cubans have died in this conflict. The most recent case known is that of Michael Valido, a 31-year-old young man.
Valido, who resided in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana, was recruited in July 2023 by an official identified as Dayana.
According to the shared details, his journey was organized from Varadero, in Matanzas, with a one-year contract to participate in the war. Initially, he was assigned to tasks in the second line of combat, mainly for the collection of debris and bodies.
Various reports have revealed that the primary motivation for joining the Russian ranks is related to economic reasons, as the salary of a foreign soldier in the Russian army amounts to approximately 2,000 dollars per month, a figure that equals the average annual income in Cuba.
Meanwhile, Cuba's official stance has been ambiguous. Although the government has declared its opposition to the recruitment of mercenaries, it has also maintained a close relationship with Russia.
In May 2024, Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed his support for Russia's "special military operation" during a conference with Vladimir Putin.
Additionally, according to recent data, Russia has sent 1.8 million barrels of oil to Cuba, helping to alleviate the energy crisis on the island.
Darío Manfuga only wishes to put an end to his experience as a prisoner of war and find a solution to his situation.
“I don't want to go back to Cuba, nor do I want to go back to Russia. Maybe some organization can save me, that would be good,” he stated.
The future of the captured fighter remains uncertain, as Ukrainian authorities assess his situation, said Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Frequently asked questions about the participation of Cubans in the war of Russia against Ukraine
Why are Cubans fighting in the war in Ukraine?
Many Cubans have been deceitfully recruited with promises of well-paid jobs and migration opportunities. Upon arriving in Russia, they find themselves compelled to participate in the armed conflict, facing a reality very different from what was promised. Some have also been lured by the promise of quickly obtaining Russian citizenship.
How does the participation of Cubans in the war affect the international perception of Cuba?
The participation of Cubans in the war conflict has generated criticism and questioning regarding the complicity of the Cuban regime. Although the Cuban government has denied having a direct role in the recruitment, its close relationship with Russia and the lack of effective actions to stop the flow of young people into the conflict have tarnished its international image.
What motivations do Cubans have to join the Russian forces?
The main motivations are economic, seeking to escape extreme poverty in Cuba. Recruiters promise high salaries that contrast with the low incomes on the island. However, some have also been driven by ideological reasons, influenced by Russian propaganda.
What happens to Cubans who are captured or desert during the conflict?
The captured Cubans face uncertain situations, such as the case of Frank Darío Jarrosay Manfuga, who is seeking a solution to his predicament as a prisoner. Those who have deserted, like Francisco García Ariz, are seeking asylum in other countries, fearing reprisals from both Russia and Cuba.
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