Cubans Enlisted by Russia: Inside the WhatsApp Recruitment Campaign

Cuban citizens, facing economic hardship and scarcity, are reportedly being recruited to fight for the Russian military in Ukraine. The recruits, who volunteered to go to Russia after being contacted by a recruiter named "Dayana" on social media, were promised signing bonuses and monthly salaries that far exceeded the average monthly state salary in Cuba. Interviews with the recruits and their families, along with evidence such as WhatsApp messages and travel papers, reveal the extent of the recruitment efforts. The Cuban government has not responded to queries about the issue, while Russia and Ukraine have acknowledged the situation. The United States and Ukraine have expressed concern over the alleged recruitment of young Cubans to fight for Russia.