Russia Recruits Cuban Mercenaries – One Became a Prisoner of War in Ukraine

In a room far behind the front lines in central Ukraine, a Cuban man wearing Russian military fatigues smiles widely as he taps out a rhythm on a table. But his mood soon turns somber.

A Mercenary's Journey

Frank Dario Jarrosay Manfuga, 36, joined Russia's army in January 2024. By March, he was captured by Ukrainian forces, and now he is desperately hoping for a way out.

"I never intended to kill anyone. I never wanted to participate in a war. I have a family," said Manfuga, who claims he was deceived into boarding a flight to Russia with the promise of a construction job.

"Maybe some organization could save me," he added, making it clear that he has no desire to return to Russia or Cuba.

Manfuga's claim that he was tricked into military service has not been independently verified.

How Russia Recruits Cuban Fighters

A former geography teacher who turned to music to support his family, Manfuga is now a captured mercenary. His case is part of a larger trend of Russia recruiting foreign fighters to bolster its invasion of Ukraine.

According to Orlando Gutierrez-Boronat, co-founder of the Cuban Democratic Directorate, a U.S.-based NGO, "Based on passports obtained by Ukrainian hackers, information from Cuba, numerous videos, and reports of Cuban soldiers killed in combat, we estimate that around 5,000 Cuban soldiers are fighting for Russia." He added that this network could not function without Cuban government approval.

Social Media Evidence

Unlike North Korean fighters, Cuban mercenaries have left a significant social media footprint. Investigators from Schemes, an investigative unit of RFE/RL, used social media posts, satellite imagery, and training ground geolocation to identify hundreds of Cuban mercenaries.

One such case is Rafael, a Cuban fighter who appeared on Russia's military TV channel Zvezda. In an August 2024 segment, he was seen writing "Hasta la vista, baby" on military projectiles while praising Russian culture.

The Economic Appeal of Fighting for Russia

Grueling poverty in Cuba is a major factor driving Cubans to enlist in the Russian military. The country’s historical ties with Moscow allow Cubans to enter Russia without a visa, making recruitment easier.

A foreign mercenary serving under a one-year contract in the Russian army earns around $2,000 per month, a fortune compared to Cuban wages.

Cuba’s Stance and Russia’s Oil Trade

Despite Havana’s official denial of involvement, Russian oil shipments to Cuba suggest a strengthening of ties between the two nations. In 2024, over 1.8 million barrels of Russian oil were transported to Cuba, providing critical support during energy shortages and mass protests.

In a statement to Schemes, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said, "Cuba has clearly chosen Russia's side in the full-scale war due to its anti-American stance."

What Lies Ahead?

As more evidence emerges, questions remain about Cuba’s role in Russia’s recruitment efforts and the future of Cuban fighters caught in the conflict. For prisoners like Manfuga, the hope of escaping their predicament remains uncertain.

Read more investigative reports on RFE/RL.