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A Cuban immigrant was detained at the iconic Red Square in Moscow after being involved in a strange incident that ended with his confinement in a psychiatric hospital.
According to the Russian newspaper Moskovski Komsomolets, the man, whose identity has not been disclosed, claimed to be "the king of several countries" and demanded a personal interview with President Vladímir Putin.
According to the information published by the aforementioned Russian outlet, the incident occurred on October 16, when security agents patrolling the center of the capital noticed a man behaving unusually near the Kremlin.
“The security forces patrolling the center of the capital detected the strange citizen. They approached the foreigner and tried to converse with him, but he responded in Spanish,” reports Moskovski Komsomolets.
Unable to communicate directly, the agents used an online translator to understand what the foreigner was saying.
It was then that the man claimed to be the "king of several countries," and that his intention was to meet with the Russian leader.
Due to his erratic behavior and mode of communication, the police decided to take him to a precinct to identify him and subsequently refer him to a psychiatric hospital, as - according to the authorities - his mental state suggested a diagnosis of psychological disorder.
Deportation history
The case took an additional turn when the agents discovered that the Cuban citizen had already had issues with the Russian authorities.
In 2022, he had been charged for working as a day laborer without a work permit, an administrative violation that resulted in a fine and a deportation order.
It is unclear how the man managed to return to Russia after his expulsion or whether he entered irregularly.
Context: Cubans in Russia
Although the case appears to be isolated, it is part of a broader context of increasing Cuban presence in Russia.
Many of them arrive lured by promises of employment, residency, or naturalization, in a context marked by the economic crisis in Cuba and the limited migration options to the West.
There are no official statistics on the number of immigrants from the island in the Eurasian country.
Moreover, various sources estimate that up to 25,000 Cuban citizens may have enlisted in the Russian Army to participate in the war in Ukraine.
The incident that took place in Red Square reveals a less visible aspect of Cuban migration: that of those who, outside of official or labor flows, end up in situations of extreme vulnerability, far from their families and without consular support.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Cubans in Russia
Why was the Cuban arrested in Red Square in Moscow?
The Cuban was arrested for behaving erratically and claiming to be the "king of several countries," demanding to meet with President Vladimir Putin. His behavior prompted authorities to refer him to a psychiatric hospital for a mental health evaluation.
What does this incident reveal about the situation of Cuban immigrants in Russia?
The incident reflects the vulnerability of some Cuban immigrants in Russia, who, in contexts of economic and social precarity, may find themselves in extreme situations. The detention of the Cuban in Moscow highlights the lack of consular support and the exposure to legal and mental health issues far from their home country.
How many Cubans have been deported from Russia recently?
In 2025, the deportation of at least 51 Cubans from various regions of Russia has been reported. The reasons include illegal work, unauthorized stay, and failure to update their immigration status. This data reflects the tightening of Russia's immigration policies towards Cubans.
How does Russia's new immigration policy affect Cubans?
The new immigration policy of Russia requires Cubans to register electronically before traveling, which entails stricter controls and the possibility of detentions and deportations if the regulations are not met. This change further complicates the situation for Cubans seeking opportunities in Russia.
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