In a peculiar turn of events, a Cuban immigrant was apprehended in Moscow's iconic Red Square, leading to his confinement in a psychiatric hospital. As reported by the Russian newspaper Moskovski Komsomolets, the man, whose identity remains undisclosed, claimed to be "the king of several countries" and demanded to meet personally with President Vladimir Putin.
The incident unfolded on October 16, when security personnel patrolling the city center noticed an individual behaving unusually near the Kremlin. "Security forces patrolling the capital's heart identified the peculiar individual. They approached the foreigner and attempted to engage in conversation, but he responded in Spanish," Moskovski Komsomolets detailed.
Unable to communicate directly, the officers resorted to using an online translator to comprehend the man's words. It was then that he declared himself to be "the king of several countries," expressing his wish to convene with the Russian leader. Due to his erratic behavior and communication style, the police decided to bring him to a station for identification. Subsequently, he was transferred to a psychiatric facility, as authorities believed his mental state indicated a psychological disorder.
Previous Deportation Issues
The situation took another twist when it was revealed that the Cuban national had previous run-ins with Russian authorities. In 2022, he faced legal action for working as a laborer without a work permit, which resulted in a fine and a deportation order. It remains unclear how he managed to reenter Russia after his expulsion or if he entered the country illegally.
The Broader Picture: Cubans in Russia
Although this case might seem isolated, it reflects a broader context of increasing Cuban presence in Russia. Many Cubans are drawn to the country by promises of employment, residency, or naturalization, driven by Cuba's economic hardships and limited migration options to the West. No official statistics exist on the number of Cuban immigrants in the Eurasian nation, yet various sources estimate that up to 25,000 Cuban nationals may have enlisted in the Russian military to engage in the war in Ukraine.
This incident in Red Square highlights a less visible facet of Cuban migration: those who, outside official or employment channels, find themselves in precarious situations, far from family support and consular assistance.
Questions Surrounding Cuban Migration to Russia
Why was the Cuban man detained in Moscow's Red Square?
The Cuban individual was detained due to his peculiar behavior, which included claiming to be the "king of several countries" and demanding a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. His behavior led authorities to believe he had a psychological disorder.
How did the Cuban man communicate with the Russian authorities?
The man initially responded in Spanish, prompting the Russian officers to use an online translator to understand his statements.
What challenges do Cuban immigrants face in Russia?
Cuban immigrants in Russia often face challenges such as legal and employment issues, isolation from family, and lack of consular support, compounded by difficulties in navigating the Russian legal system and language barriers.