Ukraine Confirms Up to 20,000 Cuban Mercenaries Fighting for Russia Amid Recruitment Scandal

Ukrainian intelligence officials have revealed that over 1,000 Cubans have been recruited by Russian forces to fight in the war against Ukraine, with estimates suggesting up to 20,000 Cubans may be involved. At least 39 Cuban mercenaries have been confirmed killed in the conflict. These recruitment efforts, which reportedly continued even after Cuban authorities arrested some individuals in 2023, appear to have official complicity from the Cuban regime, according to Ukrainian sources. The recruitment and deployment process involved a Russian recruiter, Elena Smirnova, who has been put on trial in Russia for allegedly embezzling the wages of more than 300 Cuban soldiers coerced into fighting. Independent media investigations revealed that many recruited Cubans were promised support roles but were enlisted in combat, and initial payments were often deducted for recruitment and travel expenses, with many recruits not receiving their promised salaries. The issue was highlighted during a U.S. Capitol press conference hosted by Cuban-American Republican lawmakers, who cited intelligence confirming the involvement and exploitation of Cuban mercenaries by Russian forces.