The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense’s Main Intelligence Directorate has reported that Russia has enlisted between 10,000 to 15,000 mercenaries from Cuba to participate in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Andriy Chernyak, a representative of the Directorate, stated that these Cuban recruits are not viewed as a significant military force capable of altering the battlefield dynamics. He noted, “This number could be around 10, 12, or 15 thousand. These individuals were either deceived or coerced into signing contracts with the Russian Armed Forces to engage in combat.”
Chernyak emphasized that Russia’s recruitment efforts are not solely about bolstering its military capabilities but also about maintaining geopolitical influence in Cuba. The Ukrainian intelligence has confirmed the identities of over a thousand Cubans who have entered into contracts with the Russian military.
According to Chernyak, while Russia possesses sufficient mobilization resources, the recruitment of foreign mercenaries serves a broader purpose: to demonstrate that Russia is not isolated on the international stage, but rather has support from other nations.
In early January 2026, recruiters began disseminating a list of countries whose citizens are prohibited from signing contracts with the Russian Armed Forces. This list reportedly includes 36 nations, primarily from Africa and the Arab world, along with other nations deemed friendly to Russia, such as China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Cuba, Afghanistan, Iran, and Venezuela.
The Ukrainian intelligence has revealed that Russia has recruited thousands of Cuban mercenaries to bolster its military efforts in Ukraine. This recruitment is viewed not only as a military strategy but also as a means to maintain geopolitical ties.
Source: Radio Free Europe