Cuba's government firmly dismissed on Wednesday any formal involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine, claiming it has no military personnel stationed in Ukraine or elsewhere. This statement follows Ukraine's allegations of over 1,000 military contracts signed by Cuban citizens with Russian forces.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), Havana labeled the accusations from the United States as "false claims" aimed at misleading and misinforming the international community.
"Cuba does not participate in this conflict and has no military personnel there or in any other country," the Foreign Ministry declared.
This announcement came after Ukraine's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Volodimir Pavlichenko, reported the recruitment of more than 1,000 Cubans by Russian forces.
During a Monday meeting in New York, the diplomat highlighted that Ukrainian intelligence had identified over 1,000 military contracts signed by Cuban citizens from 2023 to 2025, calling for the recruitment to cease and the release of those held against their will.
Cuba Admits Legal Proceedings for Mercenary Activities
While denying any governmental involvement, MINREX acknowledges that Cuban citizens have engaged in the conflict but insists it occurred without "encouragement, support, or consent" from government institutions.
Since 2023, authorities have investigated 17 cases of mercenary activities involving 49 individuals, according to the statement.
Out of these, 43 were brought before courts in 12 trials, facing sentences between five and 16 years. Ten oral hearings have taken place, with two remaining.
In five other cases involving six defendants, the prosecution chose not to pursue charges, opting for dismissal due to lack of evidence.
The Cuban government maintains a "zero tolerance" policy towards mercenary activities, attributing most recruitments to operations conducted from abroad.
Nevertheless, reports of Cubans being recruited to fight for Russian forces have increased in recent years.
In September, Amnesty International documented deceptive, coercive, and exploitative practices in the recruitment of foreigners for the Russian military, including accounts from Cuban citizens and others.
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla also rejected the U.S. report on Trafficking in Persons in early October, which again mentioned the recruitment of Cubans to fight in Ukraine.
Cuban Troops in Venezuela: A Contrasting Reality
MINREX's claim that Cuba has no military personnel in any country contradicts events in Venezuela earlier this year.
For years, Cuban authorities denied having troops in Venezuela. However, following the U.S. operation on January 3 that led to Nicolás Maduro's capture, the regime acknowledged the deaths of 32 Cuban soldiers during the clashes.
The deceased were members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), fulfilling missions in Venezuela at the request of its institutions.
The Cuban government disclosed their identities and military ranks and organized official tributes after repatriating their remains.
Regarding Ukraine, Havana insists that no state agency is involved in recruitment, a stance previously defended by Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío in June 2025.
This latest statement comes just a week before the United Nations' annual vote on the U.S. embargo against Cuba, scheduled for October 28, as Washington seeks to diminish international support for Havana's resolution.
Key Questions on Cuba's Denial of Military Involvement
What is Cuba's official stance on military involvement in Ukraine?
Cuba officially denies any military presence or involvement in Ukraine, stating it has no troops stationed there or in any other country.
How does Cuba address allegations of Cuban citizens being recruited by Russian forces?
Cuba acknowledges that some citizens have been involved but asserts it occurs without government support or consent. They claim most recruitments are conducted from abroad.
How does the Cuban government respond to accusations regarding military presence in Venezuela?
Despite previous denials, Cuba admitted the presence of troops in Venezuela after acknowledging the deaths of Cuban soldiers during a U.S. operation in January.