Cuban authorities have made 17 arrests in connection with a network allegedly recruiting Cuban nationals to fight for Russia in Ukraine. The head of criminal investigations for Cuba's Interior Ministry, César Rodríguez, announced on state media that at least three of the arrested individuals were involved in recruitment efforts within the country.

The alleged members of the network have not been identified, but it has been revealed that they have previous criminal records. The Cuban Foreign Ministry stated that they were working to dismantle the network, but provided no further details. Cuba emphasized that it is not part of the war in Ukraine. Cuba and Russia are political allies, and Cubans do not need a visa to travel to Russia, leading many to go there for study or work.

However, in May 2023, a newspaper in Russia reported that several Cuban citizens had signed up to join the army, stating that they were there to assist Russia in completing tasks in the special military operation zone. Some even expressed a desire to become Russian citizens in the future. Family members of the arrested individuals have begun speaking out about the situation.

#Cuba said they arrested 17 people in connection to a human-trafficking ring that allegedly coaxed young #Cuban men to fight for #Russia against #Ukraine. #Russian trafficking operation used to entice #Cubans into the #Kremlin’s war against Ukraine. #svpol #föpol #SlavaUkraini pic.twitter.com/zkVJ6tNsBy

— Jari Lairolahti (@heartsteered) September 9, 2023

One mother revealed that her son was promised a job in construction in Russia and was subsequently deceived. She expressed concern for her son's safety and a desire to speak to him. The US State Department expressed deep concern over the potential deception of young Cubans and their recruitment to fight in Ukraine. Foreign nationals are permitted to enlist in the Russian army by signing a contract with the Defense Ministry.

In September 2022, a simplified procedure was introduced, allowing foreigners who have served in the Russian army for at least one year to apply for Russian citizenship without a residency permit. Moscow's mayor also announced plans to assist the Russian Defense Ministry in facilitating the enlistment of foreign nationals.

The Cuban authorities are investigating the arrested individuals for crimes such as being a mercenary or recruiting mercenaries, which can carry sentences of up to 30 years, life in prison, or even the death penalty. The situation highlights the potential exploitation of foreign nationals and the recruitment of additional personnel to support Russia's war effort in Ukraine.