Related videos:
The Russian Duma ratified a military cooperation agreement with Cuba, while the U.S. denounces the mass recruitment of Cubans as mercenaries in the war in Ukraine.
The State Duma of Russia, the lower house of Parliament, ratified on Tuesday the intergovernmental agreement on military cooperation with the Cuban regime, in a move that strengthens the dangerous strategic alliance between both governments amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and the allegations from Washington regarding the involvement of Cubans as fighters serving the Kremlin.
The document, signed in Havana on March 13, 2025, and in Moscow on the 19th of the same month, was presented to the Legislature by the Russian Cabinet of Ministers, which defended it as a measure to "ensure the necessary legal foundations to define the objectives, directions, and forms of bilateral military cooperation," reported the agency EFE.
According to the official statement from the Duma, the ratification "will contribute to the strengthening and development of relations between Russia and Cuba in the military sphere" and will allow "to safeguard the interests of Russian citizens carrying out tasks under the agreement," emphasized a report from the official RT.
The decision comes just as the United States accuses Havana of being one of the main sources of foreign fighters for the Russian army.
An internal memo from the State Department, recently distributed to its diplomats, states that between 1,000 and 5,000 Cubans may have been recruited as mercenaries to fight in Ukraine, allegedly with the complicity of the Cuban government.
"After North Korea, Cuba has become the largest source of foreign mercenaries for the Russian army," the text warns, accusing Havana of "failing to protect its citizens from being used as pawns in the Russian-Ukrainian war."
In May, the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance, based in Miami, reported that Russia had allegedly recruited up to 20,000 Cubans with the support of the island's government, of which between 200 and 300 are said to have died on the battlefield, emphasized EFE.
The military agreement ratified by the Duma deepens cooperation between Moscow and Havana, historical allies since the Soviet era, in a context where Cuba is experiencing its worst economic crisis in three decades, characterized by shortages, inflation, and a decline in basic services.
The ratification of the military agreement between Moscow and Havana comes as the Kremlin intensifies its confrontational rhetoric with the West and places the nuclear issue back at the center of its strategy.
In 2024, a high-ranking representative of the Russian Duma called for the installation of nuclear weapons in Cuba, evoking the echoes of the Cold War and warning that Russia should “respond firmly” to NATO pressures.
More recently, the Russian government has reignited global tensions by issuing a statement regarding a possible deployment of nuclear weapons outside its territory, a message interpreted by analysts as a direct warning to the United States and its European allies.
These statements coincided with the increasing military cooperation between Russia and the Cuban regime, officially presented as "technical and strategic assistance."
Amidst that verbal escalation, Vladimir Putin warned that Russia will respond immediately to any hostile actions from the West, reinforcing the narrative of total confrontation and positioning Cuba as a political partner in the Latin American region.
The military alliance with Havana, although symbolic in terms of actual power, holds significant propaganda value in Russia's strategy to challenge Washington.
Meanwhile, on the U.S. stage, Donald Trump once again attacked Putin and the Cuban regime, promising to tighten sanctions if he returns to the White House.
His statements reflect how the Moscow-Havana axis is once again being used as a political weapon within the electoral debate in the United States, against a backdrop of growing global rivalry and mutual distrust.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Recruitment of Cubans as Mercenaries in the War in Ukraine
What military agreement did Russia ratify with Cuba in 2025?
Russia ratified a military cooperation agreement with Cuba in 2025. This agreement was signed in Havana and Moscow in March 2025 and aims to strengthen military relations between the two countries, which has raised concerns about the involvement of Cubans as mercenaries in the war in Ukraine.
How many Cubans have been recruited by Russia as mercenaries?
It is estimated that Russia has recruited at least 20,000 Cuban citizens to fight as mercenaries in the war against Ukraine. According to Ukrainian intelligence, these recruits have been misled with promises of employment and high salaries, highlighting the exploitation of the economic crisis in Cuba.
What role does the Cuban government play in the recruitment of mercenaries?
The Cuban government has been accused of facilitating the recruitment of Cuban mercenaries for Russia. Although it officially denies its involvement, there is substantial evidence suggesting state complicity, such as the expedited issuance of passports and the lack of transparent investigations on the matter.
What consequences does Cuba face for the recruitment of mercenaries?
Cuba faces increasing international pressure due to allegations of facilitating the recruitment of mercenaries. The 2025 U.S. Department of State report on human trafficking has included these practices as part of a state pattern of exploitation, which could lead to sanctions and increased international scrutiny.
Filed under: