Ukrainian officials warn that Moscow could recruit up to 25,000 Cubans to reinforce its ranks, while analysts point to Havana’s economic and political interest.
MADRID, Spain.- Up to 25,000 Cubans could soon join the Russian army to fight in the war against Ukraine, according to an article published by Forbes which cites statements by Ukrainian officials. If this figure is realized, Cubans will
and they would become the largest foreign contingent on the battlefront, even ahead of the North Koreans.
The statements coincide with the statements made this Monday by Andrey Kartapolov, head of the Defense Committee of the Russian State Duma, who assured that “a true Cuban patriot cannot be prohibited from loving Russia” and added that Moscow welcomes all those who want to join its Armed Forces in its “just fight against global fascism,” according to Anton Gerashchenko, advisor to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
The information was supported by Andriy Yusov, spokesman for Ukrainian military intelligence, who assured that he presented the case before the United States Congress on September 19. Yusov explained that it is advantageous for Vladimir Putin’s regime to recruit foreign fighters because, in case of casualties, “there are no social payments or responsibilities, there are no relatives inside Russia dissatisfied with the war; and of course, fewer dead Russians.”
According to British intelligence estimates cited by ForbesRussia has suffered more than a million casualties since the start of the invasion, forcing the Kremlin to rely on foreign recruits from Africa, Latin America and Central Asia.
In the case of Cuba, the economic incentive is decisive. Moscow offers salaries of around $2,000 a month, compared to the average $20 paid on the island. “The economy alone is a powerful incentive,” said Cristina Lopez-Gottardi, a professor at the Miller Center at the University of Virginia, cited by Forbes. Analysts point out that a recruitment operation of this magnitude would be difficult to sustain without, at least, the tacit approval of the Cuban regime, although Havana has denied its direct participation.
The American media also mentions a cable from the US State Department, dated October 2, which estimates between 1,000 and 5,000 Cubans already fighting in Ukraine. Ukrainian parliamentarian Oleksandra Ustinova stated that “Russia has recruited around 20,000 Cubans; more than 1,000 are already fighting in Ukraine and we have killed about 40. We literally have their passports as proof.”
According to Forbes, Havana’s motivations are both economic and ideological. Alexander Motyl, a professor of political science at Rutgers University, said that “if they die, their widows will be rich. If they live, they will be rich heroes. Either way, much-needed money is coming into Cuba, and the regime can take credit.” Furthermore, he explained that the alliance with Moscow reinforces the “revolutionary” image of the Cuban Government and represents a symbolic challenge to Washington.
The recruitment of Cubans is part of a broader Kremlin strategy to reinforce its ranks with foreign fighters. Investigations by Bloomberg and The Telegraph document similar tactics in Africa and Central Asia, where thousands of young people have been recruited with false job offers and sent to the front after brief training.
According to figures published by Babel.ua, by July 2025 foreigners represented 49% of prisoners captured in Ukraine (excluding Russians), compared to just 1% in 2022. Ukrainian analysts consider that without this external recruitment, Moscow would have difficulties sustaining its offensive operations.
