Ukraine war | Russian Army recruiting hundreds of Cubans, several deployed in occupied areas: Report

Hundreds of Cubans have been hired by the Russian military to fight in its war against Ukraine, a BBC report has claimed. Russia’s lucrative army contracts are what is forcing nationals of the low-income country to join the army, for which they get about $2,000 a month. Some are also driven by the higher chances of getting a permanent residency or citizenship in Russia.

The passport details of such 200 Cuban nationals were leaked online by a Ukraine-based group called InformNapalm last year. A basic Facebook search shows at least 31 of them currently residing in Russia, often posting pictures of themselves wearing Russian military uniform, or in locations that bear Russian street signs or Russian number plates.

Why Cubans?

For Russia, bringing Cubans into the country is easier and straightforward. Both nations have been allies since the Cold War days and Cubans don’t need a travel visa to enter Russia.

Since Cuba is hit by a massive economic crisis, some may find Russia’s lucrative offer worthy of taking a shot.

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It also helps Russia recruit more people into the army that has reportedly suffered causalities in thousands since the start of the war in Ukraine. The drive to enlist foreign nationals has also helped the Kremlin to avoid the mobilisation of Russian men, which carries certain political risks for President Vladimir Putin.

However, it’s not clear how many Cuban nationals have joined the Russian army so far.

According to a Cuban officer in Russia, some Cuban fighters have been deployed in Russia-occupied parts of Ukraine.

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"As the Russian army occupies areas in Ukraine, what we Cubans do is support the army in those cities and in those areas that are occupied, that's all," the officer was quoted as saying.

Most of them have joined the Russian army through recruiters on social media.

Cuban authorities not pleased

Last September, Cuban authorities said they had arrested 17 people in connection with the recruitment drive.

Later, Cuba's ambassador to Russia, Julio Antonio Garmendía Peña, said in a statement Havana had nothing against people who wanted to "simply sign a contract and legally take part in this operation alongside the Russian army".

Soon after, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla clarified Havana was against "the participation of Cuban citizens in conflicts of any sort".

(With inputs from agencies)