At least 4,200 Cubans fighting for Russia as US warns of deepening Havana-Moscow relationship
Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting in the Moscow Kremlin. ZUMAPRESS.com
Thousands of Cuban Fighters Join Russia’s War, Raising Alarms in Washington
Ukrainian intelligence has revealed that more than 4,200 Cuban nationals are currently fighting on behalf of Moscow in its ongoing war against Kyiv—a development that has triggered deep concern among U.S. and allied intelligence agencies. Officials warn that the growing military collaboration between Havana and Russian leader Vladimir Putin could pose a serious threat to security across the Western Hemisphere.
While Russia has already recruited forces from other adversarial nations—most notably North Korea, which sent an estimated 15,000 troops—the large-scale participation of Cuban fighters stands out due to Cuba’s strategic position and proximity to U.S. interests.
“This is yet another example of authoritarian regimes in Latin America openly siding with America’s enemies,” a source close to the White House told The Post.
Cuba’s government insists the fighters are “volunteers” recruited by Moscow. However, analysts point out that Cuba tightly controls all departures from the island, making it highly unlikely that thousands could leave without official approval.
“Putin’s biggest vulnerability is the staggering number of Russian casualties in Ukraine,” said Alex Plitsas, an Atlantic Council fellow and former U.S. defense official. “Recruiting 4,200 Cuban mercenaries helps him avoid a politically dangerous mass mobilization at home—and it’s inconceivable that Havana didn’t know about it. This is a big mistake for Cuba and a setback for its hopes of rejoining the free world.”
The revelation comes as President Trump’s administration intensifies its focus on Western Hemisphere security. Since January, the administration has expanded military patrols and deployed U.S. warships to deter foreign interference and strengthen regional stability.
“We’re aware of reports that Cuban nationals are fighting alongside Russian troops,” a State Department spokesperson said Monday. “The Cuban regime has failed to protect its citizens from exploitation by Moscow.”
Experts warn that the threat extends far beyond the battlefields of Eastern Europe. The concern is what happens when these fighters—trained in Russian weapons systems and battlefield tactics—return home.
“It is highly plausible the Cuban government is complicit,” a senior Ukrainian official told The Post. “This provides the Cuban military with modern combat experience that could be used against U.S. allies in Latin America.”
According to Ukrainian intelligence, recruits are routed through Belarus, where they receive training from Russian proxy forces before being sent to Ukraine. Earlier this year, Belarusian defense officials confirmed they were prepared to train Cuban troops—highlighting a tightening alliance among Moscow, Minsk, and Havana.
For many in Washington, the situation evokes Cold War memories. Decades ago, Cuba exported revolution across Africa and Latin America, sending troops to Angola, Ethiopia, and Nicaragua. Now, the island is exporting fighters to aid Russia’s war while importing combat experience that could destabilize the region.
“The presence of thousands of Cuban fighters in Ukraine, sanctioned or tolerated by Havana, exposes the regime’s true nature,” said Thor Halvorssen, CEO of the Human Rights Foundation. “Cuba has long acted as a subcontractor of repression—serving Moscow’s wars abroad while silencing dissent at home.”
Cuba’s deepening alliance with Russia comes as the regime once again pushes a United Nations resolution condemning the U.S. embargo. The State Department dismissed the move, saying Havana uses the measure “to portray itself as a victim and distract from its crimes against its own people.”
“The Cuban regime does not deserve the backing of America’s democratic allies,” the spokesperson added. “The Trump Administration will not sit idly by while illegitimate regimes undermine our national security and threaten our hemisphere.”
Ukrainian officials echoed Washington’s stance, warning that supporting Havana’s UN resolution would now amount to “a dangerous act of complicity.”
“Cuba has become a strategic asset for Russia,” one senior Ukrainian official said. “Backing Havana today means enabling a regime that helps Moscow wage war and destabilize the democratic world.”
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