US Reports Up to 5,000 Cuban Fighters Supporting Russia in Ukraine War

The Trump administration is actively lobbying against a United Nations resolution that calls for lifting the decades-long U.S. embargo on Cuba, citing Cuba's support for Russia in its war against Ukraine. An internal U.S. State Department cable revealed that an estimated 1,000 to 5,000 Cuban fighters are participating alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, making Cuba the second largest foreign troop contributor to Russia's aggression after North Korea. The administration argues that Cuba's problems stem from its own corruption and incompetence, not the embargo, and condemns Cuba for allowing its citizens to be used as pawns in the conflict. Since returning to office, President Trump has intensified sanctions on Cuba, reinstated it on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, and imposed financial and travel restrictions. Cuban-Russian ties remain strong, highlighted by Cuba joining the Russian-led BRICS group as a partner country in 2024. The U.S. campaign aims to reduce support for the embargo-lifting resolution at the UN General Assembly, which has been passed annually since 1992 but faces uncertainty this year due to the Trump administration's stance.