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The Cuban regime denied this Saturday any involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stated that it is “a slanderous accusation.”
"The Government of the Republic of Cuba rejects the false accusations being spread by the United States government regarding an alleged involvement of Cuba in the military conflict in Ukraine," reads a note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"It is a defamatory accusation that began in 2023 by certain media outlets, without providing any evidence or basis of any kind, and clearly fulfilling a commissioned service," they add.
Regarding the Cuban mercenaries participating in the war, the Cuban regime stated that it does not have "accurate information about Cuban nationals who have independently participated or are participating in the military forces of both sides in the conflict."
Additionally, he stated that "none of them have the support, commitment, or consent of the Cuban state for their actions."
"Between 2023 and 2025, there have been 9 criminal proceedings for the crime of mercenarism presented to Cuban courts, involving 40 defendants. In 8 cases, trials have been held, with 5 resulting in convictions against 26 defendants, receiving sentences ranging from 5 to 14 years of imprisonment. Three proceedings are awaiting a ruling from the court, and one case is pending the scheduling of a trial," they reported.
The note states that the recruiting agencies "are not based in our country, nor do they have any ties to the Cuban government."
"In the vast majority of cases, this recruitment occurs from abroad among nationals who reside or stay temporarily in various countries, similar to the recruitment for that conflict involving a multitude of nationalities with figures that are also imprecise," they added.
It is not the first time that the Cuban regime has washed its hands of its nationals' involvement in the war in Ukraine. Last June, Cuban Deputy Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío claimed that Havana “made public and denounced” the phenomenon of Cubans serving as soldiers in that armed conflict.
Cuban mercenaries in Ukraine
Despite the note from the MINREX stating that Cubans are fighting on both sides, the fact is that Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) recently reported that Russia has recruited at least 20,000 Cuban citizens to fight as mercenaries in the war against Ukraine.
According to Andriy Yusov, representative of HUR, Cuba would be the main source of foreign fighters in the 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 old, 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, according to the information available, the mortality rate of contracted foreigners tends to occur 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 enlistment of 6,000 to 7,000 individuals.
The spokesperson added that the Kremlin finds it advantageous to rely on foreign mercenaries, such as Cubans, because if a foreigner dies, there is no need to pay social benefits or deal with pressures from relatives within Russia.
Frequently asked questions about the participation of Cubans in Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Is the Cuban government involved in recruiting Cubans for the war in Ukraine?
The Cuban regime denies any official involvement in the recruitment of Cuban citizens for the war in Ukraine. However, multiple investigations and testimonies suggest otherwise, indicating complicity and tolerance on the part of Cuban authorities towards recruitment networks operating from abroad.
How many Cubans have been recruited by Russia as mercenaries?
The Ukrainian military intelligence has reported that at least 20,000 Cuban citizens have been recruited by Russia to fight in the war against Ukraine. These Cubans are part of a broader strategy by Moscow to utilize foreign troops due to internal recruitment issues. Documents and testimonies suggest that many of these recruits were deceived with promises of civilian employment.
What does the Cuban government say about Cubans fighting on both sides of the war?
The Cuban government claims to lack precise information about Cuban nationals who have chosen to participate in the war on their own. According to Cuban authorities, these individuals act without the encouragement, commitment, or consent of the Cuban state. However, they have noted that there are Cuban citizens fighting on both sides of the conflict.
How did international authorities respond to the recruitment of Cubans by Russia?
The international community, including the European Parliament and the United States, has condemned the recruitment of Cubans for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Calls have been made to consider punitive measures against the Cuban government, which is accused of complicity or at least tolerance towards the flow of fighters to Russia. Exile organizations and Cuban-American politicians have also demanded sanctions and have denounced the exploitation of young Cubans in this conflict.
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