Francisco García, a Cuban national, finds himself stuck in Greece while attempting to secure political asylum. In a conversation with CiberCuba, he identifies himself as a "soldier of the Russian Federation" and expresses a desire to return to Russia, despite acknowledging that enlisting was a mistake. Through WhatsApp, he confesses, "I regret being a mercenary."
Amidst this stalemate, García reached out to the platform, seeking assistance to bring attention to his predicament. "I'm a soldier of the Russian Federation," he reiterated a few weeks ago. "Currently, I'm in Greece without documents or any progress on my asylum application."
Recently, García updated CiberCuba about obtaining the red card issued to asylum seekers in Europe while their cases are processed. However, he lamented that this card is useless for securing employment or accessing healthcare in Greece. "Why are they doing this to me? This red card has no value here. I want to go back to Russia. I don't want to remain here any longer. Can you imagine spending 10 years without a passport or any legal document?" he questioned via email.
His time in Greece has been far from favorable. He recounted being sent to Thessaloniki, 190 kilometers from the Greek center, potentially missing his asylum interview. "This government has abandoned me. I don't know where to go or what to do. I don't want to stay in Greece. The red card they gave me is useless, even for hospitals," he reiterated.
In early December 2024, El Toque shared García's story. Originating from Santa Clara, he was recruited in Cuba by Elena Shuvalova and Dayana Díaz to join Russia’s war against Ukraine. Promised vacations every six months, Russian citizenship, and no frontline combat, he found only the vacation promise fulfilled. He left Cuba with his partner, eventually ending up in a Greek detention center after transiting through Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, UAE, Egypt, and finally Athens.
The involvement of Cuban mercenaries in the Ukraine-Russia conflict is well documented, with visual evidence supporting their presence in Russian military ranks during the invasion. A video from January 2024 displayed a Russian fighter introducing his Cuban comrade in a trench.
Many Cubans were lured from the island to join the Ukrainian war with promises of high wages and swift Russian citizenship. Instead, they found themselves ensnared in a prolonged conflict, now dragging into its fourth year.
In September 2023, the Cuban regime announced the arrest of 17 individuals linked to a human trafficking network recruiting mercenaries for Russia. These arrests followed initial revelations about Cubans' involvement in the conflict. Many of these Cuban mercenaries were part of some of the bloodiest battles in Ukraine, affiliated with Russia's 106th Airborne Division, according to a report by Schemes, RFE/RL's Ukrainian investigative unit.
Cubans like Frank Darío Jarrosay Manfuga, 36, claimed they were deceived with false job promises. Jarrosay, a geography teacher and musician in Cuba, stated he was recruited under the pretense of construction work but was sent to combat without fully understanding the situation.
Ukraine has proven that, in addition to Cubans, Russia has deployed mercenaries from China and North Korea to the front lines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Mercenaries in Russia
What led Francisco García to regret his decision to become a mercenary?
Francisco García regrets his decision to become a mercenary because he realized it was a mistake after experiencing hardships, such as being stranded in Greece without documents and facing an uncertain future.
What challenges do Cuban mercenaries face in the Ukraine-Russia conflict?
Cuban mercenaries in the Ukraine-Russia conflict face challenges such as unfulfilled promises of citizenship and high salaries, involvement in dangerous combat situations, and being part of a prolonged conflict.
How has the Cuban government responded to the recruitment of its citizens for the Russian military?
The Cuban government has responded by arresting individuals involved in a human trafficking network that recruited Cubans as mercenaries for the Russian military, following revelations of their participation in the conflict.