A Russian woman has been put on trial for allegedly embezzling the wages of more than 300 Cuban soldiers who were coerced into fighting in Ukraine. This shocking revelation was unveiled during a press conference held last Thursday at the U.S. Capitol by Republican Cuban-American Congress members María Elvira Salazar, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Carlos Giménez. They cited Ukrainian intelligence reports confirming the presence of thousands of Cubans compelled to fight for Russia.
The recruiter, identified as Elena Smirnova, was implicated in the scheme to defraud the Cuban recruits. The details about Smirnova had already emerged in a 2023 report by the independent media outlet, elTOQUE. During the hearing, new information was shared with the public, including the arrest and trial of a woman named Elena by Russian authorities.
In September 2023, elTOQUE discovered various recruitment ads linked to Elena, although they couldn't definitively verify if the online persona was indeed Smirnova. Working alongside Cuban national Dayana Díaz, Elena operated from 2023 to 2024 in both Cuba and the Ryazan region of Russia, according to the independent report.
elTOQUE has an audio recording where Dayana claims that the recruited Cubans would be engaged in support roles rather than direct combat. The outlet interviewed seven men who stated they were contacted by the women through acquaintances, social media, or WhatsApp groups. These individuals arrived in Russia between May and August 2023 and were subsequently enrolled in the conflict.
The initial payment promised by the recruiter was deducted from the recruits under the guise of recruitment and travel expenses, particularly for those flying from Cuba. Although they were supposed to receive a comparable salary thereafter, many reported not being paid as promised, according to the independent media's report.
"At that time, it was unclear whether the shortfall was due to military authorities' failure to pay. With the new revelations, it now seems evident that the recruiters were extorting the recruits," stated the report, authored by Ernesto Eimil. "They became millionaires (...) charging each Cuban 200,000 RUB, and there were over 4,000 recruits," one individual claimed.
The woman reportedly amassed approximately 800 million RUB, equating to more than $8.5 million, through her recruitment network. Interviewees confirmed that she had access to their bank cards and accounts. By 2024, a source informed elTOQUE that she had been brought to trial in Russia. According to the new disclosures, she was charged with fraud and reached a settlement with Russian authorities in September 2024, pleading for leniency in exchange for ceasing the recruitment process of over 6,000 individuals, mostly Cubans.
Media outlets and organizations have detailed the recruitment process: social media advertisements, intermediaries, contracts in Russia, and promises of salaries, expedited residency, or citizenship following service. That year, Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced proceedings against a group accused of trafficking its citizens for military recruitment. However, consulted researchers deemed it unlikely that such a large mercenary network could operate on the island without the government's awareness.
20,000 Cubans Recruited
During the same hearing, it was reported that, according to Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR), Russia has recruited at least 20,000 Cuban citizens to fight as mercenaries in the war against Ukraine. This figure was presented this week in a briefing to U.S. Congress members. Andriy Yusov, a representative of HUR, noted that Cuba is the primary source of foreign fighters serving Moscow.
Based on Yusov's statements, as reported by Business Insider, 1,038 Cubans signed contracts with the Russian Army between June 2023 and February 2024; the average age of these recruits is around 35 years, and the monthly salary offered is approximately $2,000.
HUR further reported that at least 250 recruits remained on the front lines after their contracts expired, and from the information available, the mortality rate for foreign recruits tends to occur between 140 and 150 days post-deployment. The Ukrainian agency added that documents and lists exist containing the names, ages, contract dates, and fatalities of Cuban recruits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Mercenaries in Ukraine
How many Cubans have allegedly been recruited to fight in Ukraine?
According to Ukrainian military intelligence, at least 20,000 Cuban citizens have been recruited by Russia to fight in the conflict against Ukraine.
What was promised to the Cuban recruits?
The recruits were promised salaries, and in some cases, expedited residency or citizenship following their service in Russia.
What were the conditions of the Cuban recruits in Russia?
Many of the recruits experienced deductions from their initial payments, and several reported not receiving the promised salaries. The mortality rate for these recruits is reportedly high, occurring between 140 and 150 days after deployment.
Who was the recruiter accused of embezzling the Cuban recruits' wages?
The recruiter was identified as Elena Smirnova, who allegedly embezzled wages from over 300 Cuban recruits. She was put on trial in Russia and reached a settlement with authorities in 2024.