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Cuban Nationals Lured to Ukraine by Russian Job Offers

10/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Cuban nationals are increasingly fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with estimates ranging from 1,076 to 5,000 recruits.
Recruiters lure Cubans with lucrative construction job offers.
Russian travel agent Yelena Smirnova is implicated in orchestrating recruitment, luring Cubans with promises of high salaries and citizenship.
The Cuban government denies involvement, stating it does not support recruitment of citizens for military service abroad.

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Story summary

Cuban nationals are increasingly fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with estimates ranging from 1,076 to 5,000 recruits.
Recruiters lure Cubans with lucrative construction job offers.
Russian travel agent Yelena Smirnova is implicated in orchestrating recruitment, luring Cubans with promises of high salaries and citizenship.
The Cuban government denies involvement, stating it does not support recruitment of citizens for military service abroad.