Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky directly addressed Cuba from the platform of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, condemning Russia for enlisting citizens from 47 different nations to fight in its war against Ukraine.
"We are aware that Russia is exploiting citizens from 47 countries in this conflict," Zelensky declared during his speech in New York. He then proceeded to list several of these countries, including Ghana, Nepal, Tajikistan, India, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan, and South Africa.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that many of these foreign nationals ended up in Russia through "deception and manipulation," and he issued a direct appeal to the officials of these nations.
"You know what Russia is doing to your people. These are your citizens. Take care of them and ensure they don't end up on another battlefield," he urged.
Zelensky also noted that Ukraine has received requests to repatriate foreign nationals captured as prisoners of war. He mentioned that Ukrainian drones have captured images of non-Russian fighters dead on the battlefield.
He advised the 47 countries, "Don't let Putin involve you in this war."
Cubans Recruited by Russia
Just weeks prior to Zelensky's address, Amnesty International released a report highlighting deceptive, coercive, and exploitative practices used to draw foreign nationals into Russian forces. The report, based on interviews at Ukrainian prisoner of war camps between 2024 and 2026, includes accounts from citizens of Cuba, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Somalia, and South Africa.
Amnesty International concluded that these practices could potentially amount to human trafficking in numerous cases. The documented tactics involve false promises of civilian jobs, high salaries, or immigration regularization, as well as coercion of foreigners already in Russia. Additionally, some recruits were reportedly sent to the front lines with minimal training.
Specifically, the organization documented cases of Cubans imprisoned in Russia on alleged drug charges who were offered military contracts as an alternative to serving their sentences.
The Cuban regime has consistently denied any involvement in recruiting Cubans for Russia.
Over a Thousand Cubans Identified
In May 2025, the Ukrainian project "I Want to Live" released the names of at least 39 Cubans who had died in the war. Subsequent lists of presumed deceased individuals have emerged. Ukrainian authorities have estimated a much higher number of Cubans have served under Russian command since 2023, although comprehensive public records for verification remain unavailable.
Officially, Havana has denied any state involvement in these recruitment networks. In 2025, the Cuban government claimed that these organizations did not operate within the country nor had any ties to the regime.
The recent Amnesty International report did not attribute the organization of these networks to the Cuban state but focused on the recruitment and exploitation practices linked to Russia.
Zelensky's message has once again brought this issue to the forefront on an international stage, this time at the UN's most significant forum.
"Do not let Russia extinguish its fires, mask its shame, and pay for its madness with the lives of your people," Zelensky implored representatives of the affected countries.
Zelensky's address has reignited criticism of the Cuban government at the United Nations General Assembly. The day before, the Cuban delegation led by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla walked out as then-U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Cuba a "completely failed state" and predicted the regime's eventual collapse.
Key Questions About Foreign Recruitment in Russia's War
How many countries have citizens fighting for Russia according to Zelensky?
Zelensky stated that citizens from 47 countries are being used by Russia in the war against Ukraine.
What did Amnesty International report about recruitment practices?
Amnesty International reported that deceptive and coercive practices are being used to recruit foreign nationals into Russian forces, potentially amounting to human trafficking in some cases.
What has been Cuba's response to allegations of recruitment for Russia?
The Cuban government has consistently denied any involvement in the recruitment of Cubans for Russia's war efforts.