Cuba claims its people are being trafficked to fight for Russia.
Russian Service Members Participate in Victory Day Military Parade
Cuba Uncovers Human Trafficking Ring Sending Citizens to Fight in Ukraine
Cuba has recently made a shocking discovery – a human trafficking ring that has been coercing its citizens to fight for Russia in the war in Ukraine. The Cuban foreign ministry has taken immediate action to “neutralize and dismantle” this network, which has been operating both within Cuba and Russia.
The Cuban government statement revealed limited details about the trafficking ring, but it emphasized that it has been working to incorporate Cuban citizens living in Russia, as well as some from Cuba itself, into the military forces involved in the Ukrainian conflict. The Russian defense ministry has yet to respond to this revelation.
Last year, Russia announced its ambitious plan to increase the size of its armed forces by over 30% to 1.5 million combat personnel. However, the country has faced challenges due to undisclosed casualties in the war. In late May, a newspaper in Ryazan reported that several Cuban citizens had signed contracts with Russia’s armed forces and were sent to Ukraine in exchange for Russian citizenship. It remains unclear if this report is connected to the recent statement from the Cuban foreign ministry.
Despite Cuba’s strong political ties with Russia, the Cuban government denies any involvement in the Ukraine conflict. The defense ministers of both countries had discussed joint “technical military” projects earlier this year, but Cuba’s administration under President Miguel Diaz-Canel firmly states that it will energetically oppose any form of human trafficking aimed at recruiting Cuban citizens as mercenaries.
Cuba has already taken legal action against those responsible for coercing its citizens into fighting in Ukraine. The foreign ministry has initiated criminal proceedings against individuals involved in these activities.
Reporting by Dave Sherwood and Marc Frank in Havana; additional reporting by Felix Light in Tbilisi; editing by Michael Perry and Bill Berkrot
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