Francisco García Ariz, a Cuban citizen who claimed to have emigrated to Russia in search of better opportunities, found himself caught in a conflict he never imagined facing.
After being recruited to fight in the war between Russia and Ukraine, Francisco managed to desert and is now awaiting a political asylum process from a refugee camp in Greece, as he explained in a live stream shared on La Tijera's Facebook page.
In his statement, the young Cuban acknowledged that he could be labeled a "mercenary," but emphasized that he did not want to continue being a "hitman." His testimony did not provide details about the location where he was stationed or how he managed to desert and reach Greece.
His testimony, which revealed some expressions of remorse, left no room for blame or guilt. According to García Ariz's account, only God can judge the decisions he made.
In a defiant tone, the Cuban expressed awareness that his decision would attract much criticism, but he justified it as the only way he found to emigrate. However, his words sparked intense debate on social media regarding the involvement of Cubans in this war.
From Cuba to Greece, passing through a bloody battlefield.
García Ariz recounted how he left Cuba, motivated by the economic crisis, to seek a better future in Russia. Initially, he was offered a job in construction, but upon arrival, he was forced to enlist in the Russian army.
"I no longer want to be a hitman... I focused on getting my girlfriend out of Cuba, took her to Russia, and we created a plan to get to Greece, which we consider a safe place," he said during a live broadcast.
During his testimony, Francisco acknowledged that many would criticize him for his involvement in the conflict. However, he stated that only God can judge him and emphasized that he does not wish to take part in acts of violence again. "I do not feel good about what I did, but I have done it. I hope the comments will be respectful, although I know that many will judge me."
The harsh reality of Cuban mercenaries.
The case of García Ariz is not unique. According to multiple reports, hundreds of Cubans have been recruited to fight in Ukraine, many under the false pretense of work contracts.
Once in Russia, they are offered citizenship and salaries of up to $2,000 per month in exchange for fighting on the front lines. However, the actual conditions fall far short of these promises, and many Cubans have reported being scammed by the Russian authorities.
In March 2024, Ukrainian troops released a video of the interrogation of Frank Darío Jarrosay Manfuga, another Cuban captured in Donetsk. He claimed to have been recruited early in the year and sent to the front after a brief training period.
Later, in July 2024, the death of Denis Frank Pacheco Rubio was reported, a resident of Santa Clara identified through documents found on the battlefield. These cases reflect an alarming trend of exploitation and abuse.
Divided reactions on social media
García Ariz's testimony sparked a heated debate on social media. Some users praised him for his bravery in deserting and seeking refuge in Greece, while others criticized his initial decision to join the conflict.
"Congratulations on not supporting Russia; it's a dictatorship like Cuba's." "I commend you, brother. The people of Ukraine do not deserve for us Cubans to also fight for Putin's dictatorship," Facebook users told him.
"Why did he leave? That wasn't mandatory"; "A means of escape; the end justifies the means, no matter how or where"; "Thank God he managed to escape. Good for him," expressed others.
"It is better to rest your head on a pillow than to have an unsettled conscience"; "How much harm must he have done to have no peace in his conscience?"; pointed out other internet users who suspected issues stemming from García Ariz's decisions.
"The ignorance of the Cuban is on another level: going to war without training"; "Let this serve as a warning for those planning to leave as mercenaries," stated other internet users.
Complicity or desperation?
The involvement of Cubans in this war has called into question the Cuban regime, which denies any involvement in the recruitment of its citizens.
However, reports from international organizations such as Inform Napalm suggest possible connections between Cuba and Russia in these processes.
For many, the responsibility lies in the context of misery that drives these individuals to seek extreme alternatives, even if it means taking fatal risks and becoming involved with the armed forces of an aggressor power accused of committing genocide in Ukraine.
García Ariz represents a generation of Cubans caught between the poverty of their homeland and exploitation abroad. His decision to defect is an act of survival that highlights the complex circumstances these young people face, marked by propaganda, misinformation, and the lack of rights and freedoms in their own country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Desertion of Cubans in Armed Conflict
Why did Francisco García Ariz decide to desert the Russian army?
Francisco García Ariz decided to desert because he did not want to continue being a "hitman" in a war that was not his. He stated that his main motivation was to find a safe place in Greece for himself and his girlfriend, after being coerced into enlisting in the Russian army under deceptive promises of construction work.
What is the recruitment process for Cubans to join the war in Ukraine?
The recruitment of Cubans for the war in Ukraine often occurs under deceptive circumstances. Many are promised jobs in construction, Russian citizenship, and high salaries, but upon arriving in Russia, they are forced into a brief military training and sent to the front lines. This process has been condemned both by the recruits themselves and by international organizations.
What has been the reaction on social media to García Ariz's testimony?
The testimony of García Ariz has sparked intense debate on social media. While some users commend him for his bravery in deserting, others criticize his initial decision to join the conflict. Opinions are divided between those who see it as an act of survival and those who label him a mercenary.
What role does the Cuban government play in recruiting its citizens for the war in Ukraine?
The Cuban government denies any direct involvement in the recruitment of its citizens for the war in Ukraine, despite accusations of complicity from international organizations and activists. These allegations point to a possible collaboration between Havana and Moscow, intensified by the dire circumstances that drive Cubans to seek extreme alternatives.
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