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A woman was prosecuted in Russia for stealing the salaries of more than 300 Cuban soldiers who participated in the invasion of Ukraine.
The revelation was made during a press conference last Thursday at the U.S. Capitol, by Republican Cuban-American Congress members María Elvira Salazar, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Carlos Giménez, who cited information from Ukrainian intelligence confirming the presence of thousands of Cubans forced to fight for Russia.
Elena Smírnova is the name of the recruiter who allegedly swindled Cubans, whose identity had already been revealed in a report by the independent outlet elTOQUE in 2023.
During the hearing, new details were revealed to the general public. Among them was the fact that the Russian authorities had captured and seemingly put on trial a woman named
In September 2023, elTOQUE located several recruitment advertisements for Elena, although they have not been able to fully confirm that this Elena from social media is Smírnova.
Elena worked alongside the Cuban Dayana Díaz from 2023 to 2024 in Cuba and the Russian region of Ryazan, according to the report from the independent media outlet.
elTOQUE has in its possession an audio recording in which Dayana claims that the recruited Cubans would work in support roles and would not go to the front line.
At that time, the independent media interviewed seven men who claimed that the women contacted them through acquaintances, social networks, or WhatsApp groups.
Those recruited by Elena arrived in Russia between May and August 2023 and ended up enlisted in the war.
The first bonus of the payment promised by the recruiter was deducted from the interviewees under the pretext of expenses related to the recruitment process and travel, in the case of those who flew from Cuba.
Later, those recruited were supposed to receive a similar salary, but many claim that this was not the case, as stated in the report from the independent media.
“At that moment, it was unclear whether the shortfall was due to a non-payment by the military authorities. With the new revelations, it now seems to confirm the extortion by the recruiters,” the report states, signed by Ernesto Eimil.
"They became millionaires (...) They charged each Cuban 200,000 RUB and there are over 4,000 [Cuban enrollees],” he stated
The woman reportedly earned around 800,000,000 RUB, over 8.5 million dollars, through the recruitment network. Interviewees confirmed that the woman had access to their cards and bank accounts.
Already in 2024, a source had assured elTOQUE that the woman had been brought to trial in Russia.
The woman, according to new revelations, was accused of fraud and reached an agreement with Russian authorities in September 2024. Elena pleaded for clemency in exchange for ending the recruitment process of more than 6,000 individuals she had already enlisted, mostly Cubans.
Media and organizations have described the modus operandi of recruitment: advertisements on social networks, intermediaries, contracts in Russia and promises of salaries, residency, or expedited citizenship after service.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba reported that it had initiated proceedings 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.
20,000 Cubans recruited
In the same hearing, it was reported that, according to Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR), 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, representative of HUR, Cuba would be the primary source of foreign fighters in service of Moscow.
According to the details provided 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 would be about $2,000.
HUR also stated that at least 250 remained at the front after their contracts expired and that, based on available information, the mortality rate for the 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Recruitment of Cuban Mercenaries in the War in Ukraine
Who is the Russian recruiter accused of stealing from Cuban mercenaries in Ukraine?
Elena Smírnova is the Russian recruiter accused of stealing the salaries of more than 300 Cuban soldiers who were sent to war in Ukraine. According to reports, she operated alongside the Cuban Dayana Díaz from 2023 to 2024 in Cuba and the Russian region of Ryazan.
How many Cubans have been recruited by Russia for the war in Ukraine?
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia has recruited at least 20,000 Cuban citizens to fight as mercenaries in the war against Ukraine. This figure includes those who were deceived with promises of well-paying jobs in Russia.
How do the recruitment networks for Cubans for the war in Ukraine operate?
Recruitment networks operate through advertisements on social media, intermediaries, and promises of salaries and migration benefits. Contracts are written in Russian, which makes it difficult for signers to understand their commitments. This deception leads Cubans to end up in military bases and on the front lines in Ukraine.
What has been the Cuban government's response to the recruitment of its citizens?
The Cuban government has denied having links to the recruitment of its citizens for the war in Ukraine, despite allegations and testimonies indicating otherwise. However, investigations suggest that it is unlikely such a large network could operate without the knowledge of the Cuban regime.
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