A young Cuban from Pinar del Río who resides in Moscow has sparked a heated debate on social media after confessing that she would prefer to return to Cuba—amid blackouts and shortages—rather than continue enduring the police harassment she faces in Russia.
The video was published by the influencer Lino García, known as "The Cuban Creator", who has recently documented the experiences of several Cubans residing in the Eurasian country.
García asked the young woman what freedom she feels is lacking in Russia, and she replied without hesitation: "Here, the police are constantly breathing down your neck."
When the interviewer asks her if she would prefer to go back, even if it means living without electricity, not eating well, and struggling, the young woman did not hesitate: “Yes. I would like to return to Cuba.”
"Here we have everything except happiness, except freedom," he added.
And he concluded with a phrase that became the heart of the debate: “In Cuba, I had something that I don’t have here: Happiness.”
The reaction: A debate without an easy answer
In the comments section of the post—both on Instagram and Facebook—hundreds of internet users expressed their opinions, with some criticizing the young Cuban woman while others showed more understanding of her perspective.
Those who have lived in Russia almost unanimously confirmed the account regarding police harassment, although many do not recommend returning to the island under any circumstances.
"Russia was nice, but police harassment ultimately affects anyone's mental health," wrote an internet user.
Another person who lived in Moscow for three years recognized the contradiction many face: “It is very hard to live hiding from the police, but returning to Cuba permanently doesn’t seem like a solution either.”
Several emigrants highlighted the emotional dimensions that often go unaddressed in economic discussions: “Being away from family weighs heavily. There are those who eat while thinking about how their loved ones are doing in Cuba.”
Others warned that the appearance of well-being that many migrants project on social media does not reflect their true state: "Many emigrants pretend to be fine to avoid worrying their families, even though they are suffering inside."
A Cuban currently residing in Moscow emphasized that the situation varies according to each migrant's profile: "Each Cuban has a different story, and the situation is much more difficult for some people, especially for women."
Several advised against returning to Cuba, arguing that the crisis on the island remains very serious, and that it would be more advisable to seek opportunities in a third country.
Police harassment and an increasingly harsh reality
The testimony of the young woman from Pinar is not an isolated case.
On Wednesday, July 30, García published another video -"We live trapped like mice"- featuring the account of another Cuban in Moscow who described the constant fear of being detained and deported, reported scams in rentals, and warned about compatriots who obtained Russian citizenship and were sent to military service without returning.
In April 2026, a Cuban known as "La Dior" exposed a labor exploitation scheme in which Cuban intermediaries—referred to as "brigadieres"—withhold the salaries of fellow workers.
Those affected describe days that begin at four in the morning, without eating, and return without payment or documents to file a claim.
Russian authorities have progressively tightened immigration controls.
Since April, migrants with documentation issues began to be transferred to the Sájarovo deportation center, about 70 kilometers from Moscow, cut off from their families and the consulate.
In July 2026, the Duma approved a reform that requires foreign workers to demonstrate sufficient income, and gives them only 15 days to leave the country if they lose their job.
Filed under: