The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (GUR) assesses that Russia has enlisted between 10,000 and 15,000 Cuban mercenaries to participate in its ongoing war against Ukraine. This information was disclosed by GUR representative Andriy Chernyak in an interview with Radio Liberty's Donbas.Realii project.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, the influx of Cuban nationals is unlikely to alter the strategic balance on the front lines. Rather, Moscow's recruitment drive appears to be driven by geopolitical ambitions. Chernyak emphasized that Russia possesses sufficient domestic mobilization resources, but seeks foreign fighters to demonstrate international solidarity with its military campaign and to maintain its political influence over Havana.
"We do not consider Cuban mercenaries as a separate military force that can affect the battlefield," Chernyak stated. "In general, this figure can be about 10, 12, 15 thousand. This is a small number of people who, either by deception or through other means, were forced to sign a contract with the Russian Armed Forces and take part in hostilities."
The GUR has already identified and verified the names of more than 1,000 Cuban citizens who have formalized contracts with the Russian military.
Interestingly, journalists noted a recent shift in Russia's recruitment policy regarding foreign nationals. In early January 2026, military recruiters began circulating a new directive prohibiting citizens from 36 specific countries from enlisting in the Russian Armed Forces this year. This restricted list primarily consists of African and Arab nations, alongside several states traditionally viewed as "friendly" to Moscow, including:
We use cookies to improve your experience. Privacy Policy