Osvaldo David Rodríguez Donate, a young Cuban from Fomento in Sancti Spíritus province, tragically lost his life during a drone strike in Ukraine. He had been recruited by the Russian military. As reported by the news outlet La Tijera, Rodríguez Donate had moved to Russia three years ago seeking better opportunities after completing his military service in Cuba. However, his journey turned into a nightmare when he was detained in an immigration raid and jailed in Russia.
While in prison, he was given a grim choice: serve at the frontlines in Ukraine with the promise of being repatriated to Cuba if he survived. Sadly, that promise remains unfulfilled. His family learned of his untimely death through another Cuban family with a son in Russia, a country where several Cubans have already perished due to the ongoing war. Another young life extinguished far from home, ensnared by hunger, despair, and manipulation.
Community Grieves: Voices from Fomento
The reaction in Fomento has been one of profound sorrow and helplessness. "I can't stop looking at you, my life, at how you left us in the saddest way possible, my boy. We are all heartbroken by your departure," wrote Estrella Zúñiga, a neighbor. Close friend Juan Pablo Hernández expressed, "Rest in peace, my brother Osva, so many plans, all ending in tragedy. May God hold you in His glory."
Countless others remember Osvaldo as a kind-hearted, respectful young man, cherished by everyone. His death symbolizes not only a personal loss but also highlights the desperation faced by many young Cubans caught between local poverty and empty promises abroad.
Heated Debate: Victim, Mercenary, or Both?
Osvaldo's case has sparked a contentious debate on social media. Some accuse young Cubans recruited by Russia of being "mercenaries," fully aware of their actions. Others vehemently oppose this view, arguing that many, like Osvaldo, are victims of desperation and manipulation within an unjust system.
The discourse has become charged with ideological accusations, insults, religious references, and heated exchanges, showcasing the deep divisions and wounds within Cuban society in response to these tragedies.
Public Opinion: Mourning and Criticism of the System
Amidst the grief, some voices have pointed to the root of the problem: the Cuban dictatorship. "There is only one culprit, a dictatorship that keeps its people in misery, where young people have no opportunities," remarked one individual.
Others criticized the Russian regime, accusing it of turning Cuban migrants into unwilling soldiers. "Russians don't care about Cubans, they just use them as cannon fodder," said another. "Why, if they brought Elián back, don't they bring back those young people trapped in war?" questioned a Cuban woman.
Claudia Cáceres offered a nuanced perspective: "He didn't spend three years killing anyone. He was imprisoned and negotiated his freedom. He didn't go to war by choice, but out of desperation."
Most commentators express sorrow that so many young people are being deceived by false promises, coerced into signing contracts in Russian without translation, and then sent to the front lines with no option to refuse, under the threat of remaining imprisoned.
As one deeply moved commenter put it: "Let this death not be in vain. Families should educate themselves and not allow their sons to fall into this fatal trap. Many are still living this tragedy, fighting for a country that isn't theirs." Osvaldo's story should not fade away as just another social media comment. His life, his death, and the devastation of his community demand answers, remembrance, and justice. No Cuban youth should perish in a foreign war simply because they sought to escape hunger and hopelessness.
Cuban Government Denies Responsibility
The Cuban government claims it bears no responsibility for the recruitment of Cuban citizens to act as mercenaries in the Russia-Ukraine war, despite the widespread allegations and testimonies affecting families both on and off the island.
In an interview with the American program Democracy Now!, Cuban Vice Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío stated that Havana has "publicly denounced" the phenomenon of Cubans enlisted as soldiers in this conflict. He claimed that Cubans have been detected fighting on both sides of the conflict: “Cubans have been detected on the Russian side and on the Ukrainian side.”
According to Fernández de Cossío, recruitment networks in Europe have targeted individuals from several countries, including Cubans, to send them to the front lines. "Our laws prohibit any citizen under our jurisdiction from participating in foreign wars, and this is punishable by law in Cuba," he asserted.
Contradictory Testimonies Challenge the Regime
Nevertheless, numerous investigations and testimonies from Cubans involved in the conflict paint a vastly different picture. A report from the Ukrainian outlet Schemes uncovered the presence of hundreds of Cubans fighting for the Russian army, many integrated into the 106th Airborne Division, active in some of the war's bloodiest battles, such as Bakhmut. Cuban fighters have been identified wearing Wagner Group insignias and promoting war propaganda on social media.
One particularly poignant case involved young Cubans Andorf Velázquez and Alex Vega, only 19 years old, who reported being lured with false promises of construction jobs, only to end up conscripted at a Russian military base.
A Russian officer revealed to the Moscow Times that many of these recruits arrive directly from Cuba, sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense, and are dispatched to the front. “There were only Cubans and Serbs there,” he disclosed.
On social media, individuals like Elena Shuvalova have promoted contracts with the Russian army, offering salaries, migration benefits, and accommodation, without requiring valid passports. According to Shuvalova, several Cubans have been "successfully" sent to war, with her social media profile showing ties to pro-Russian propaganda and posts offering "help" to enlist despite immigration status.
Silence, Contradictions, and Lingering Questions
While the regime insists it has no involvement in recruitment activities, a statement from MINREX acknowledged an ongoing investigation into a human trafficking network for military purposes operating from Russia and Cuba. However, no clear figures, details on legal processes, or assurances for the protection of those affected have been provided.
Meanwhile, Cuban mothers frantically search for news of their sons, young migrants disappear into the Kremlin's war machinery, and the island's authorities continue to choose denial or ambiguity. Amid the economic crisis gripping the island, many see these military contracts as a desperate "escape." Others, deceived, find themselves trapped in a foreign war that now haunts them with trauma, fear, and silence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Involvement in the Ukraine Conflict
What led Osvaldo David Rodríguez Donate to join the Russian military?
Osvaldo was detained in a Russian immigration raid and faced imprisonment. He was offered a chance to go to the frontlines in Ukraine with a promise of repatriation to Cuba if he survived.
How has the Cuban community reacted to Osvaldo's death?
The community in Fomento is deeply grieved and in shock. Many expressed disbelief and sorrow, remembering Osvaldo as a kind and respected young man.
What is the Cuban government's stance on the recruitment of Cubans in the conflict?
The Cuban government denies responsibility for the recruitment, claiming it has publicly denounced the phenomenon and that it is illegal for Cubans to participate in foreign wars.