August M
Allegations are emerging about a new dimension in the Ukraine war.
A U.S. assessment suggests another country may be quietly tied to Russia’s military recruitment efforts, reports The Moscow Times.
Allegations surface
The United States believes Cuba may have played a role in helping Russia recruit fighters for the war in Ukraine, according to a report cited by Axios.
The U.S. State Department said there are “significant indicators” that authorities in Havana were aware of, or allowed, Cuban nationals to join Russian forces.
The report to Congress suggests the Cuban government may have “knowingly tolerated, enabled or selectively facilitated the flow” of recruits.
Numbers involved
Estimates cited in the report indicate that between 1,000 and 5,000 Cuban citizens could be fighting in Ukraine at any given time.
According to The Moscow Times, similar figures were previously reported by Reuters, with U.S. diplomats describing Cuba as one of the largest sources of foreign fighters for Russia after North Korea.
The State Department also questioned earlier claims by Cuba that it had acted to dismantle trafficking networks linked to recruitment.
Recruitment networks
The Moscow Times reported in 2023 that online groups had been offering Cubans contracts with the Russian military, including financial incentives and promises of citizenship.
Russia opened its armed forces to foreign nationals in 2022, allowing non-citizens to enlist as part of efforts to sustain its campaign in Ukraine.
Since then, reports suggest recruitment has expanded beyond Cuba to include countries across Africa and other regions.
Growing tensions
The use of foreign fighters has created friction between Russia and several countries.
Governments including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Kenya have urged Moscow to stop recruiting their citizens, some of whom were reportedly misled about the nature of the work.
Monitoring groups estimate that thousands of foreign recruits have been killed during the conflict, although Russia has officially confirmed only the involvement of North Korean troops.
Wider context
Ukraine has also accepted foreign volunteers through its international legion, though its recruitment is publicly acknowledged.
The allegations involving Cuba add to growing scrutiny over how both sides are sourcing manpower as the war continues.
Sources: The Moscow Times, Axios, Reuters
