A young Cuban man, suffering from severe leukemia, is enduring harsh conditions in Moscow. He lacks the funds to return to Cuba and is without consular support. His mother has made an urgent plea on Facebook for assistance in bringing him back home.
Óscar Ramírez Pulido, hailing from Guanabacoa in Havana, is reportedly almost unable to walk, is malnourished, and is believed to be residing in a container in the Russian capital, according to activist Lara Crofs, who shared his plight on social media.
In a brief video shared online, Óscar's voice can be heard as he tells his mother, “You will never be able to get me money, and I’m going to die here alone, mom.”
Besides leukemia, his family disclosed that Óscar suffers from another unspecified hematological disorder, worsening his precarious situation.
His mother has identified a potential way for him to return to Cuba, but the individuals who could facilitate this require about 70,000 rubles, or approximately $800—an amount neither Óscar nor his mother can afford.
Lara Crofs, who spotlighted the case, was candid in her appeal: “We are not talking about luxury or comfort. This is about a sick human being who needs care and a mother seeking help to bring her son home.”
The plea urges humanitarian organizations, the Red Cross, consular authorities, or any individuals willing to contribute financially to make Óscar's return possible.
Since early 2026, there have been reports of raids against undocumented Cuban migrants in Moscow, with some being taken to the Sájarovo deportation center, where they remained isolated for up to 71 days.
In July, Russia tightened its residency regulations for foreigners, requiring proof of minimum income and giving only 15 days for those who fail to meet the criteria to leave the country.
A testimony from late July depicted undocumented Cubans in Moscow living "as if trapped like mice," fearing raids and facing labor exploitation and rental scams.
In mid-September, another Cuban family sought help to repatriate the body of Alberto Luis Peña Gaspar, a 34-year-old who died in Russia, highlighting the extent of the vulnerability faced by Cubans in the country.
The Cuban consulate in Moscow has repeatedly been criticized for failing to provide effective assistance for the repatriation of its citizens in distress, leaving families with no recourse but to turn to social media.
“Sometimes a post reaches the right person, or an organization that can intervene, or simply someone willing to lend a hand,” wrote Lara Crofs. “Óscar needs help, and his family needs to know they are not alone.”
FAQs about Cuban Nationals in Russia
Why is Óscar Ramírez Pulido unable to return to Cuba?
Óscar lacks the financial resources to cover the cost of returning to Cuba, which is approximately $800, and he is not receiving consular assistance.
What has been the response of the Cuban consulate in Moscow?
The Cuban consulate in Moscow has been repeatedly criticized for not providing adequate assistance to its citizens, leaving families to rely on social media for help.
How has the situation for Cuban migrants in Russia changed recently?
Russia has tightened residency rules for foreigners, requiring proof of income and giving only 15 days to leave for non-compliance, increasing the vulnerability of Cuban migrants.