The Cuban government has firmly rejected claims regarding its alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This assertion was made in an official statement by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which labeled the allegations from the United States as unfounded and slanderous.
Cuba’s Official Statement
The Ministry emphasized that the allegations against Cuba first emerged in 2023 from various media outlets and lacked any credible evidence. The government insists that it does not participate in the Ukraine conflict, either directly or through military personnel stationed abroad.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
Cuba has a stringent zero-tolerance policy against mercenarism and human trafficking. The government has begun criminal proceedings in cases involving Cubans participating in military activities abroad, stressing that these actions are not sanctioned by Cuba or its authorities.
Legal Actions and Statistics
- Cuban courts have initiated nine criminal proceedings related to mercenarism between 2023 and 2025.
- Forty defendants have been involved, resulting in five guilty verdicts.
- Sentences for these cases have varied from five to fourteen years of imprisonment.
- Three cases are currently pending judgment, while one awaits trial.
Recruitment of Cubans Abroad
The government clarified that any Cubans participating in the conflict are recruited by organizations unrelated to the Cuban state. This recruitment predominantly occurs outside of Cuba among nationals living or visiting foreign countries. This trend is not unique to Cubans, as individuals from various nationalities face similar recruitment challenges.
Conclusion
Cuba maintains that the United States government has not provided any substantive evidence to back its accusations. The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to rigorous legal standards and further investigation into any instances of mercenarism.
