A 36-year-old Cuban named Frank Darío Jarrosay Manfuga has been detained by Ukrainian forces amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Recently, he has made statements regarding the involvement of fellow Cubans in the war. As reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Manfuga was previously a geography teacher and musician in Cuba. He claims to have been lured with false job promises in construction, only to find himself on the front lines without a clear understanding of the situation.
During an interrogation released by Ukrainian authorities, Manfuga expressed his bewilderment and regret, stating, "I didn't know what was happening in this war." He emphasized that he never intended to participate in the conflict or harm anyone and that he was misled to travel to Russia with the promise of employment. According to Manfuga, information about the war in Cuba is scarce, with the official narrative portraying it merely as a clash between armies without much detail.
This incident is not unique. A U.S.-based NGO estimates that roughly 5,000 Cubans have been recruited to fight in Ukraine under various circumstances. Some have been traced through social media and geotags in photos from 2023, revealing Cuban units at Russian bases like Tula, home to the 106th Airborne Division involved in the battle for Bakhmut.
Many Cubans have lost their lives in this conflict. The latest known case involves Michael Valido, a 31-year-old from San Miguel del Padrón, Havana. Valido was recruited in July 2023 by an officer named Dayana. His journey was arranged from Varadero, Matanzas, with a one-year contract to join the war. Initially, he was assigned to second-line duties, mainly debris and body collection.
Reports have highlighted that economic reasons are the primary motivator for joining Russian forces, with foreign soldiers earning approximately 2,000 dollars monthly—equivalent to the average annual income in Cuba. Meanwhile, Cuba's official stance remains ambiguous. Although the government opposes mercenary recruitment, it maintains close ties with Russia. In May 2024, Miguel Díaz-Canel voiced support for Russia's "special military operation" during a conference with Vladimir Putin. Additionally, recent data shows Russia has shipped 1.8 million barrels of oil to Cuba, helping alleviate the island's energy crisis.
As for Darío Manfuga, he longs to end his ordeal as a prisoner of war and seeks a resolution to his predicament. "I don't want to go back to Cuba, nor do I want to return to Russia. Maybe some organization can save me, that would be good," he stated. His future remains uncertain as Ukrainian authorities assess his situation, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Key Questions About Cuban Mercenaries in Ukraine
How many Cubans are estimated to have been recruited to fight in Ukraine?
It is estimated that around 5,000 Cubans have been recruited to fight in Ukraine under various circumstances.
What economic factors motivate Cubans to join the Russian army?
The primary economic motivator is the salary, as foreign soldiers in the Russian army can earn approximately 2,000 dollars per month, which is comparable to the average annual income in Cuba.
What is Cuba's official stance on the recruitment of mercenaries?
Cuba's official stance is ambiguous. While the government opposes the recruitment of mercenaries, it continues to maintain close relations with Russia.