Russia recruits Cubans for the frontlines in Ukraine: ‘It’s all been a scam’ | El Pais
Russia recruits Cubans for the frontlines in Ukraine: ‘It’s all been a scam’ | El Pais
From El Pais:
“Ukrainian intelligence estimates that nearly 20,000 people have joined the Russian army since 2022, with the complicity of the Díaz-Canel administration. Some claim they arrived under false pretences.”
“According to Ukrainian intelligence data — obtained from the analysis of foreign passports of mercenaries who signed contracts with the Russian army, to which they had access — this is the largest Cuban intervention abroad since the Angolan war in the mid-1970s. Between 6,000 and 7,000 Cubans are currently on the battlefield, according to the same sources, the second -largest contingent after the more than 10,000 soldiers sent by North Korea. Ukraine estimates that between 200 and 300 Cubans have died in the war.”
Read the full piece to explore the full analysis.
This analysis examines the intricate dynamics of Cuban recruitment into the Russian military for combat in Ukraine, revealing a systematic pattern of deception. Initial testimonies from recruits like Andorf Antonio Velázquez García and Álex Rolando Vega Díaz highlight false promises of construction work and lucrative salaries, which quickly devolved into frontline combat. Ukrainian intelligence estimates the mobilization of nearly 20,000 Cubans since 2022, with 6,000 to 7,000 currently deployed, making it the largest Cuban intervention abroad since the Angolan war. Tragically, between 200 and 300 Cubans are estimated to have died, with stories like that of Raibel Palacio underscoring the profound human cost.
The recruitment process, often facilitated by figures like Elena Shuvalova and Dayana through social media, involves signing contracts in Russian that recruits do not fully comprehend, driven by Cuba’s severe economic crisis. These individuals, ranging from 18 to 62 years old, are often desperate for a way out, seeking the promised $2,500 monthly salary and a Russian passport. However, many find themselves facing combat and payment irregularities.
The Cuban government’s alleged complicity is a critical aspect, with evidence suggesting official approval for recruitment despite initial denials and a brief crackdown on a trafficking network. Cuba’s long-standing economic and diplomatic ties with Russia, which includes significant loans and debt forgiveness, further contextualize this involvement. Ultimately, this piece warns of the severe risks for recruits such as high mortality rates, lack of prisoner exchanges, non-recognition by Havana, and indefinite contracts, emphasizing the hidden costs of Russia’s war and the complex landscape underpinning this mercenary deployment.
