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Cuban Recruits Deceived: Promised Jobs, Sent to Ukraine

6/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In August 2023, Cuban recruits Andorf Velázquez and Álex Vega shared their shocking experience of being deceived into combat in Ukraine instead of the promised construction jobs. Ukrainian intelligence estimates that around 20,000 Cubans have been mobilized since 2022, with 6,000-7,000 still active, raising concerns about the Cuban government's role in this troubling recruitment scheme.

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Story summary

In August 2023, Cuban recruits Andorf Velázquez and Álex Vega shared their shocking experience of being deceived into combat in Ukraine instead of the promised construction jobs. Ukrainian intelligence estimates that around 20,000 Cubans have been mobilized since 2022, with 6,000-7,000 still active, raising concerns about the Cuban government's role in this troubling recruitment scheme.