HAVANA: In a startling development, Cuban authorities have apprehended 17 individuals suspected of involvement in a clandestine network dedicated to recruiting Cuban nationals for military service in Ukraine under Russia’s flag.
This revelation comes as a shock to many, given the historical political alliance between Cuba and Russia, but it underscores the complexities of global geopolitics and recruitment tactics in modern conflicts.
César Rodríguez, the head of criminal investigations for Cuba’s Interior Ministry, made the announcement on state media, revealing that at least three of the arrested individuals were actively engaged in recruitment efforts within Cuba itself. While the authorities did not disclose the identities of the detainees, they did confirm that some of them had prior criminal records. Family members of the arrested individuals began speaking out about the situation, shedding light on the promises made to their loved ones. One mother reported that her son had been enticed with the prospect of a construction job in Russia.
Cuba’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement issued on Monday, acknowledged the existence of a recruitment network operating from Russia, targeting Cuban citizens living both in Russia and Cuba. The statement stressed that the Cuban government is taking decisive steps to “neutralize and dismantle” the network but refrained from providing specific details. Importantly, it emphasized that Cuba is not a participant in the conflict in Ukraine, seeking to distance itself from any involvement.
Cuba’s geopolitical ties with Russia have enabled Cubans to travel to Russia without requiring a visa, leading to a significant Cuban presence in the country for various purposes, including education and employment opportunities. Notably, in May 2023, a Russian newspaper in the Ryazan region reported that “several citizens of the Cuban Republic” had signed up for military service, with some expressing their willingness to become Russian citizens and participate in “special military operation zones.”
In Havana, prosecutor José Luis Reyes confirmed that the arrested individuals are being investigated for crimes such as mercenary activities and recruiting mercenaries, which carry severe penalties in Cuba, including up to 30 years or even life imprisonment, or, in extreme cases, the death penalty.
The personal stories emerging from this development highlight the human toll of such recruitment tactics. Marilin Vincent, whose 27-year-old son Dannys Castillo is one of the Cubans recruited in Russia, expressed her anguish. She revealed that her son and others had travelled to Russia in search of economic opportunities, only to find themselves in an entirely different situation. Economic challenges on the island had driven many Cubans to explore opportunities abroad.
The U.S. State Department has expressed deep concern over these reports, emphasizing that it is closely monitoring the situation. The prospect of young Cubans being deceived into participating in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is alarming to the international community.
Russian law permits foreign nationals to enlist in its military after signing a contract with the Defense Ministry. Furthermore, since September 2022, foreigners who have served in the Russian army for at least one year have been allowed to apply for Russian citizenship through a simplified procedure, without needing a residency permit.
In response to the recruitment efforts, Moscow has taken steps to streamline the enlistment of foreign nationals. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced the establishment of infrastructure to facilitate the enlistment process in the capital’s main government office for migrants.
This incident also sheds light on Russia’s recruitment strategies in other parts of Central Asia. Reports indicate that Russian authorities have refused citizenship applications from Tajik nationals until they commit to military service. The British Defense Ministry has pointed out the Kremlin’s efforts to tap into the substantial migrant population from Central Asia in Russia, potentially as a source of recruits.
