Cubans residing in Moscow recounted scenes of terror and sleepless nights following the largest drone attack on the Russian capital to date, launched by Ukraine on Sunday, coinciding with the final day of Russia's parliamentary elections.
Accounts of the ordeal were shared in the Facebook group 'Cubans in Moscow', a community boasting over 76,000 members. Residents from various parts of the city and its surroundings described the anxiety experienced during the assault.
Firsthand Accounts of Fear
"They flew over my house, I'm still in shock," a Cuban woman posted, sharing her harrowing experience. The comment was picked up on social media by independent journalist Magdiel Jorge Castro.
Another resident from Kotelniki, a town near the capital, described how the drones "flew overhead, exploded very close," with car alarms blaring in the streets, leaving her trembling with fear.
Community Reactions and Safety Precautions
In the same community groups, messages emerged from individuals who were unable to sleep, opting to stay away from windows and doors during alerts.
A woman who had previously experienced a drone explosion advised others to move to the lower floors of buildings whenever alarms were triggered.
Targets and Impact of the Attack
The Ukrainian strike primarily targeted the Kapotnia oil refinery—one of Russia's largest—and the Sofyino logistics complex in the Moscow region, where a massive fire was captured on video by a Russian citizen.
Moscow's Mayor, Serguéi Sobianin, reported that over 450 drones aimed at the capital were shot down; overall, more than 1,600 were intercepted on various fronts since the previous Saturday.
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski confirmed the operation, describing the attack's impact as "very significant," arguing the facilities hit support Russia's "war machine."
Casualty Reports and International Concerns
Victim counts varied by source: BBC Mundo reported at least two dead and 20 injured, while other agencies raised the toll to four dead and 21 injured in the region. Among the confirmed victims was a 44-year-old woman who died in Sofyino after a drone struck a residential building.
These Cuban testimonies in Moscow emerge amidst increasing involvement of island citizens in the conflict. Amnesty International has condemned Russia for recruiting Cubans through deceit and coercion, actions that could amount to human trafficking.
The Ukrainian project "I Want to Live" identified 1,028 Cubans recruited by Russia with at least 96 killed in combat, while Ukrainian intelligence estimates suggest up to 20,000 Cubans have been sent to the front lines since 2023.
The Cuban regime denies any official ties to these recruitment networks, insisting that the Cubans involved are acting independently; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that Cuba "is not part of the armed conflict in Ukraine."
For Cubans living in Moscow as civilian migrants, the Ukrainian attacks have turned a war they mostly followed through news reports into an imminent threat at their doorsteps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cubans in Moscow Amid Drone Attacks
What was the target of the Ukrainian drone attack in Moscow?
The primary targets were the Kapotnia oil refinery and the Sofyino logistics complex, both key facilities in the Moscow region.
How have Cubans in Moscow been affected by the drone attacks?
Cubans in Moscow reported experiencing fear and sleepless nights, with some advising to stay away from windows and doors during alerts.
How many drones were intercepted during the attack?
Over 450 drones aimed at the capital were shot down, and more than 1,600 were intercepted on various fronts since the previous Saturday.