Ukraine's military intelligence has sounded the alarm over a significant increase in Russia's recruitment of Cuban nationals as mercenaries, a tactic aimed at bolstering their forces in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The intelligence initiative, "I Want to Live," from Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, reported that over 1,000 Cubans have been identified as contracted fighters with the Russian Armed Forces, as cited by News Ukraine.
Ukrainian authorities have verified the identities and personal details of 1,028 Cubans who entered into contracts with the Russian military between 2023 and 2024. Preliminary estimates, however, suggest this number could swell to as many as 20,000, with many recruits misled and pressured by the dire economic conditions on the island.
The report highlights that these recruits are not acting as informed volunteers. Instead, they are ensnared through a combination of bribery, deception, and coercion. Many are lured by promises of civilian jobs in Russia, such as positions in warehouses, construction sites, or security roles, with salaries ranging from $2,000 to $2,500 monthly—a stark contrast to the average income in Cuba, which is about $30 per month.
Contracts are written solely in Russian, making it difficult for signees to fully understand their obligations. In 2023, Cuban authorities announced the arrest of 17 individuals accused of involvement in recruitment networks for Russia's war efforts. These charges included treason, carrying penalties of up to 30 years in prison or even the death penalty.
Despite these developments, Ukrainian intelligence insists that the recruitment drive has not only continued but expanded to include other nationalities, such as Nepalese, Sri Lankans, and individuals from Central Asia, forming the backbone of Russia's foreign mercenary contingent.
In response, Kyiv has urged the Cuban regime to halt the participation of its citizens in the conflict and to stem the tide of fighters joining Russian lines in Ukraine. To date, the Cuban government has yet to release any public statements regarding these new allegations.
Russia's reliance on mercenaries has intensified amid growing domestic recruitment challenges. In early April, Ukraine also confirmed the capture of two Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces in the Donetsk region. Russian media reports suggest that at least 51 Chinese soldiers have signed contracts with Moscow's military.
The Ukrainian report emphasizes that the use of foreign fighters not only raises legal and ethical issues but also underscores Russia's increasing dependence on external human resources to sustain its military campaign.
Questions About Cuban Mercenaries and Russian Recruitment
How many Cuban nationals have reportedly been recruited by Russia?
Over 1,000 Cuban nationals have been identified as mercenaries contracted by the Russian Armed Forces, with estimates suggesting that up to 20,000 could be involved.
What tactics are used to recruit Cuban mercenaries?
Recruitment tactics include deception, coercion, and promises of civilian employment with relatively high salaries compared to Cuba's average income.
What is Kyiv's stance on the recruitment of Cuban nationals by Russia?
Kyiv has called on Cuba to prevent its citizens from participating in the conflict and to stop the flow of fighters to Russian positions in Ukraine.