Conflicting statements have emerged from Cuba’s Foreign Minister and Ambassador to Russia regarding Havana’s position on the involvement of Cuban citizens in Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Last week, Cuba made arrests of 17 individuals suspected of having ties to an illegal Russian trafficking and recruitment network related to what the Kremlin refers to as its “special military operation.”
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated on Thursday that the government’s position, in accordance with national legislation, opposes the participation of Cuban citizens in any conflicts, as well as mercenarism and human trafficking.
However, Cuban Ambassador in Moscow Julio Antonio Garmendia Pena told Russian state media earlier that the Cuban government has no objection to Cubans participating in the conflict, as long as it is legal.
The ambassador noted that the 17 individuals arrested last week were Cuban citizens who were attempting to make money by getting involved in the military operation.
He clarified that the Cuban government does not oppose Cubans signing contracts and legally taking part in the operation with the Russian army, but they are against any illegal activities.
During this year’s General Assembly vote at the United Nations, Cuba abstained from demanding Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine, a resolution supported by 141 countries and rejected by seven.
Historically, Cuba was a significant ally of the Soviet Union during the Cold War, and after the 1959 Cuban Revolution, its relations with the United States deteriorated. Cuba relied heavily on Soviet aid, and many of its students attended Russian universities.
Since the collapse of the USSR in 1991, Moscow has maintained good diplomatic relations with Havana.
Due to historical ties and visa-free travel, Russia has become a popular destination for Cuban migrants.
