Cuba’s Foreign Ministry has strongly denied U.S. allegations that Cuban soldiers are fighting in Ukraine, calling the claims “unfounded.” The ministry released new details about ongoing legal proceedings against Cubans accused of acting as mercenaries in the Russia-Ukraine war, reaffirming its policy of zero tolerance toward such activities.
According to Havana’s statement, nine criminal cases have been brought before Cuban courts between 2023 and 2025, involving 40 defendants charged with “mercenarism.” Trials have been concluded in eight of these cases, resulting in convictions for 26 individuals with prison sentences ranging from five to 14 years. Three cases are still awaiting court rulings, and one remains pending trial. The government emphasized that Cuba “is not part of the armed conflict in Ukraine,” and does not deploy troops abroad.
The issue resurfaced following a U.S. State Department cable, first reported by Reuters, which claimed that between 1,000 and 5,000 Cubans were fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. The cable described Cuba as the “largest contributor of foreign troops to Russia’s aggression after North Korea.” Cuban authorities dismissed the report, asserting they have no confirmed figures on how many nationals may be involved but are actively prosecuting those recruited for mercenary activity or human trafficking.
This controversy comes just weeks before the United Nations General Assembly votes on a resolution urging Washington to lift its long-standing embargo on Cuba. The measure, adopted annually since 1992, has seen overwhelming global support, with 187 nations voting in favor last year and only the United States and Israel opposing it. Cuba reiterated its commitment to peace and diplomacy, urging dialogue over confrontation amid escalating geopolitical tensions.