Unseen Footage: Cuban Nationals Captured While Fighting for Russia in Ukraine

In its efforts to maintain control in Ukraine, Russia is reaching out to countries like North Korea and now, reportedly, Cuba for help. Recent videos obtained by CBS News show Cuban nationals captured on the front lines alongside Russian forces. Ukrainian officials estimate that around 20,000 Cubans have been recruited as mercenaries.

Many of these recruits are escaping difficult conditions at home. Florida GOP Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart commented, “Cubans are looking for any way to get out. They’re being lured from the island with false promises.” They are being offered one-year contracts with a tempting $2,000 monthly salary, while the average salary in Cuba is only about $20. Most of these recruits are around 35 years old and live in poverty, making the offer irresistible.

One family reported that their loved one, who went to fight in Russia, has been missing since November, without any payment. Activist Orlando Gutierrez Boronat spoke to one of these Cubans who believed he would be doing construction work to help rebuild cities. Instead, he found himself on the front lines.

Ukraine has identified 39 Cubans who have died in the conflict, but officials believe the actual number is higher. Currently, there are three Cuban prisoners of war, with two captured recently, according to Maryan Zablotskyy, a member of Ukraine’s parliament. He suggested the number of Cuban troops might soon reach 25,000, potentially surpassing those from North Korea.

Diaz-Balart has noted that this situation likely involves coordination with the Cuban government, which denies any involvement and claims to be shutting down trafficking networks that recruit its citizens.

Cuba’s economic struggles can be traced back through the years, with the average salary barely covering basic needs. This dire situation makes recruitment for foreign combat appealing for many Cubans. In a recent survey, over 60% of Cubans expressed a desire to leave the country for better opportunities. This highlights how desperate circumstances can lead individuals to make risky choices, often with tragic outcomes.

For broader context, experts suggest that the conditions in Cuba present a prime opportunity for nations seeking recruits. These dynamics could significantly influence Cuba’s relations with both Russia and the international community, as the situation evolves.



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