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Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) reported that Russia has recruited at least 20,000 Cuban citizens to fight as mercenaries in the war against Ukraine, a figure presented this week in a briefing to members of the United States Congress.
According to Andriy Yusov, a representative of HUR, Cuba would be the main source of foreign fighters in the service of Moscow.
According to the details presented by Business Insider, based on statements from Yusov, 1,038 Cubans signed contracts with the Russian Army between June 2023 and February 2024; the average age is around 35 years and the monthly salary offered is approximately 2,000 dollars.
HUR also stated that at least 250 remained on the front after their contracts expired and that, based on available information, the mortality rate of contracted foreigners typically occurs between 140 and 150 days after deployment.
The Ukrainian agency added that there are documents and lists with names, ages, signing dates and deaths of Cuban recruits.
Even a judicial testimony in Russia would refer to a recruiter who allegedly intervened in the enrollment of 6,000 to 7,000 people.
Officials and lawmakers who participated in the panel urged consideration of punitive measures against the Havana government, which they attribute—at the very least—to a tolerance for the flow of fighters.
The spokesman added that the Kremlin finds it advantageous to employ foreign mercenaries, such as Cubans, because if a foreigner dies, there is no need to pay social benefits or deal with pressure from families within Russia.
He also recalled that since 2022, the leader Vladimir Putin has enacted laws that establish compensation for the injured and deceased, costs that, according to independent analysts, represent a significant burden on the Russian economy, despite the fact that the Kremlin does not publish official data on the matter.
In parallel, Yusov placed this recruitment within a broader strategy in which Moscow increasingly relies on foreign troops from regions such as North Korea, the Middle East, and Africa, while executing frequent but costly ground attacks.
The Ukrainian parliament member Maryan Zablotsky presented documents that, according to him, : a list containing personal data, dates of signing, and death; a request from a Cuban woman concerning the whereabouts of her husband; and contracts signed by Cuban women.
The informational session, organized by Republican congress members from South Florida, aimed to urge the international community to take punitive measures against the Cuban government for its ties to the Kremlin.
Both U.S. lawmakers and Ukrainian officials have accused Havana of supporting, at least implicitly, the Russian war effort due to the number of Cubans joining Moscow's ranks.
Since August 2023, the first testimonies from young Cubans have emerged, claiming they were deceived with promises of construction jobs and ended up being deployed to the front.
Media and organizations have described the modus operandi of recruitment: advertisements on social media, intermediaries, contracts in Russia and promises of salaries, residency, or expedited citizenship after service.
The Ministry of Foreign Relations of Cuba reported this year that it had begun procedures against a group accused of trafficking its citizens for recruitment for military purposes.
However, consulted researchers deemed it unlikely that a large network of mercenaries could operate on the island without the government's knowledge.
Frequently asked questions about the recruitment of Cubans by Russia for the war in Ukraine
How many Cubans have been recruited by Russia for the war in Ukraine?
The Ukrainian military intelligence reports that Russia has recruited at least 20,000 Cuban citizens as mercenaries in the war against Ukraine. Of these, 1,038 Cubans signed contracts with the Russian army between June 2023 and February 2024. The capture and testimonies of some of these Cubans have been documented, highlighting the deception and broken promises that many of them faced.
What is the role of the Cuban government in recruiting its citizens?
Although the Cuban government has officially denied any involvement in the recruitment of its citizens for the war, investigations suggest that the regime may be aware of or even facilitating this process. Ukrainian intelligence and various investigations have indicated that the recruitment operation appears to be coordinated and could not be taking place without the knowledge or complicity of the Cuban state.
What conditions do Cubans recruited for the war in Ukraine face?
Cuban recruits face difficult and dangerous conditions. Many were deceived with promises of jobs in construction or security and ended up on the front lines. They were promised salaries ranging from $2,000 to $2,500 per month, but many do not receive the promised payment and cannot easily return to Cuba either. Additionally, the mortality rate among these mercenaries is high, with deaths recorded between 140 and 150 days after deployment.
What actions are being taken against the recruitment of Cubans for the war in Ukraine?
U.S. lawmakers and Ukrainian officials have called on the international community to take punitive measures against the Cuban government for its role in the recruitment of mercenaries. Furthermore, the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance and other groups have denounced this exploitation and are seeking sanctions against the Havana regime. However, so far there have been no significant actions from the Cuban government to stop this flow of fighters.
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