Summary
The Trump administration told Congress that Cuba has sent thousands of fighters to help Russia in its war against Ukraine and also supports Russia politically. The U.S. government says Cuba allows its citizens to fight in Ukraine and has tried to pressure Cuba’s government to change.
Key Facts
- The Trump administration reported that up to 5,000 Cuban fighters are helping Russia in Ukraine.
- Cuba provides diplomatic and political support to Russia.
- The U.S. believes the Cuban government allows or helps Cuban fighters go to Ukraine, though it does not prove Cuba officially sent them.
- Cuban nationals are one of the largest groups of foreign fighters for Russia in Ukraine.
- The Cuban government denies these claims and says it is investigating human trafficking related to fighters going abroad.
- The U.S. is increasing pressure on Cuba, including blocking oil shipments to the country.
- Cuban fighters in Ukraine were first reported in 2023 by The Moscow Times.
- President Miguel Díaz-Canel of Cuba has defended his government’s position despite U.S. accusations.
