Cuban nationals fight for Russia in Ukraine's Kherson Oblast - Russian media

Photos from Russian state agency TASS depict artillerymen from Russia's 52nd Airborne Brigade, including Cuban-born Pierre-Antoine Zubizarreta, who allegedly received Russian citizenship and signed a military contract.

Cuban authorities earlier announced the dismantling of a human trafficking network recruiting Cubans to fight in Ukraine for Russia, with 17 people arrested in connection with the scheme.

As of October 2023, over 100 Cubans had reportedly completed military training in Russia, with many agreeing to fight for $2,400, a sum over 100 times the average Cuban monthly salary of $17.

Most of the recruited Cubans reportedly undergo training in Tula, Russia. In early October 2024, Cuba applied for partner status within BRICS.