An investigative report by Schemes, the research unit of Ukraine's RFE/RL news service, has unveiled further details about the involvement of Cuban mercenaries in the Ukraine war, particularly highlighting their role in some of the conflict's most brutal battles. In just a week of investigation, they identified the presence of several hundred Cuban nationals within the ranks of the Russian military, with expectations that these numbers will continue to rise.
"Cubans are indeed deeply entrenched in the Russia-Ukraine war," stated a Ukrainian journalist leading the investigation, during an interview with journalist Rolando Nápoles for America Tevé. Many of these Cubans are affiliated with Russia's 106th Airborne Division, headquartered in Tula. This division played a significant role in the battle for Bakhmut, one of the war's bloodiest engagements, which ended with the city being seized by Vladimir Putin's forces in May 2023.
A chilling detail is that numerous Cubans are part of the Russian airborne forces, which are typically the first units deployed to the frontline for offensive operations. The report did not provide a specific count of Cuban casualties in the war but mentioned one mercenary, known on social media as "Chiki," aged 41, who reportedly died in combat at Bakhmut. However, recent months have seen multiple reports of increasing Cuban fatalities in the conflict.
The source indicated that while some Cubans joined the Russian military for financial gain, others were driven by ideological motivations influenced by Russian propaganda. The investigation acknowledges that some Cubans were deceived into joining the war. According to the findings, several of these fighters recruited by Moscow have shown support for Kremlin militarism and ideology on social media.
Researchers from Schemes discovered that numerous social media profiles of Cuban mercenaries were established in 2024, coinciding with their arrival in Moscow for training before being dispatched to the front lines. One highlighted case in the report is "Rafael," who was seen wearing patches linked to the Wagner mercenary group. He also appeared on television inscribing the phrase “Hasta la vista, baby” on military shells, clearly signaling support for the Russian war effort.
Dr. Orlando Gutiérrez Boronat, national secretary of the Cuban Resistance Assembly, has condemned the involvement of at least 5,000 Cuban regime forces in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. According to Gutiérrez Boronat, the Schemes report provides crucial evidence of these mercenaries' participation in the conflict.
Insight into Cuban Mercenaries in Ukraine
Why are Cuban mercenaries involved in the Ukraine war?
Cuban mercenaries have joined the conflict for financial reasons and ideological motivations influenced by Russian propaganda. Some were also misled into participating.
What role do Cuban mercenaries play in the conflict?
Many Cuban mercenaries are part of the Russian airborne forces, which are often deployed at the frontline, participating in significant battles like the one in Bakhmut.
How has the international community reacted to this revelation?
The involvement of Cuban mercenaries in Ukraine has sparked condemnation, particularly from groups like the Cuban Resistance Assembly, which highlights the mercenaries' role in supporting Russian aggression.