Cuba claims to have discovered a suspected Russian network of illegal recruitment of Cubans for military operations in Ukraine.
Cuba discovers Russian network recruiting soldiers for the war against Ukraine (file image). (Photo IMAGO / UPI / Russian Ministry of Defense)
The Foreign Ministry in Havana said the human trafficking network operated both in the Caribbean island nation and in Russia. Criminal proceedings were opened against those responsible. Cuba rejects any form of “mercenary” and does not participate in the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin initially did not comment on the allegations. In late May, a Russian newspaper reported that several Cubans had been sent to war against Ukraine in exchange for Russian citizenship.
This message was sent on September 5, 2023 on the Deutschlandfunk program.