Indonesia's government has initiated diplomatic efforts with Ukraine to address the situation regarding its citizens recruited by the Russian military. This move highlights the stark contrast between countries actively involved in such matters and the Cuban authorities' silence concerning the fate of thousands of Cubans drawn into the conflict.
The announcement was made by the Ukrainian initiative "I Want to Live" (Хочу Жить), which detailed a meeting between Indonesian Ambassador Arief Muhammad Basalamah and Dmytro Usov, the secretary responsible for coordinating the treatment of prisoners of war.
During their discussion, Ukrainian officials provided information on Indonesian citizens recruited by Russia and discussed the situation of one captive individual. Ukraine expressed willingness to allow a consular visit, while the Indonesian diplomat assured attention to the issue from his government.
Indonesia's Direct Approach with Ukraine
This initiative followed "I Want to Live" identifying 292 Indonesian citizens within Russian forces, with 283 reportedly signing contracts in the first nine months of 2026. The organization cautioned that their records are incomplete, suggesting a potentially higher number of Indonesians involved.
Indonesia had already sought information from Moscow about its nationals recruited into the Russian military. The recent meeting establishes a direct channel with Ukraine for addressing those who have been captured.
Other Nations Taking Action
Indonesia isn't alone in its efforts to protect its citizens involved in the Russian conflict. Earlier, Kenya repatriated dozens of its nationals, investigated recruitment networks, shut down over 600 employment agencies, and announced measures to aid those still at the frontlines.
The Kenyan authorities acknowledged the issue's magnitude, cautioning that unauthorized participation in foreign armed conflicts could be criminal. Similarly, Peru has demanded explanations from Russia regarding its citizens who are deceased or missing, pursuing diplomatic actions to gather information and facilitate returns.
The Cuban Silence: A Stark Contrast
The disparity is particularly pronounced concerning Cuba, a nation with a significant number of its citizens identified among Russian ranks. During an address to the United Nations on October 19, Ukraine's Deputy Permanent Representative Volodimir Pavlichenko reported over 1,000 contracts between Cubans and the Russian military from 2023 to 2025, noting that this figure might not cover the full scope.
CiberCuba has documented numerous cases of Cuban deaths, disappearances, and captures by Ukrainian forces, alongside family complaints about the lack of information on their relatives' whereabouts or remains and potential compensations.
Some prisoners have recounted being sent to the front under false pretenses, threats of deportation, or unfulfilled employment promises. An Amnesty International investigation in September collected testimonials suggesting possible human trafficking involvement.
Cuba's Lack of Transparency
Ukraine clarified that foreigners in Russian regular forces receive prisoner of war protections irrespective of nationality. In November 2025, a Ukrainian lawmaker even proposed a humanitarian initiative for the release of captured Cubans and the return of remains, linked to the release of political prisoners in Cuba.
Nonetheless, Havana has not publicly disclosed any efforts akin to those by Indonesia, Kenya, or Peru, nor provided verifiable results on consular visits to prisoners, repatriation of fighters, recovery of bodies, or compensation claims for families.
The absence of public information does not rule out confidential diplomatic contacts but indeed highlights a lack of transparency regarding the Cuban government's assistance to its citizens affected by the war.
The Cuban regime denies any institutional involvement in recruitment for Russia and claims to have acted against trafficking networks. In September 2023, it announced the arrest of 17 people involved in such operations but has not provided a comprehensive public report on the phenomenon's scope and actions taken.
Moreover, it has not clarified how many Cubans are still fighting, how many have died, how many are missing, or what support their families receive. Indonesia's experience shows that a government can engage with Ukraine concerning its nationals without endorsing the war or justifying enlistment. Kenya and Peru have demonstrated that it is possible to request information from Russia and undertake actions to facilitate returns.
Meanwhile, Cuban families continue to face uncertainty about their loved ones' fates. The question now is not only how so many Cubans ended up fighting for Russia, but also why their own government remains silent on efforts to bring them back, recover their remains, or ensure their families receive the support that other nations are providing to their citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban and Indonesian Nationals in the Ukraine Conflict
How has Indonesia addressed the issue of its citizens recruited by the Russian military?
Indonesia has engaged in diplomatic efforts with Ukraine to gather information about its citizens recruited by the Russian military and to address their welfare, including allowing consular visits to those captured.
What actions have other countries, like Kenya and Peru, taken regarding their citizens in the conflict?
Kenya has repatriated nationals and investigated recruitment networks, while Peru has sought explanations from Russia and pursued diplomatic actions to gather information and facilitate returns.
Why is Cuba criticized for its handling of citizens involved in the conflict?
Cuba is criticized for its silence and lack of transparency regarding efforts to assist its citizens involved in the conflict, unlike other countries which have taken proactive measures.