Cuban authorities have detained 17 individuals on suspicion of recruiting young Cuban men to participate in Russia's conflict against Ukraine.
This follows the recent revelation by the Cuban foreign ministry of a Russian human trafficking operation aimed at persuading Cubans to join the Kremlin's war effort in Ukraine. Cuba has strongly condemned this recruitment scheme, and the country's interior ministry has been actively working to dismantle the network.
Colonel César Rodríguez of Cuba's interior ministry announced on Thursday that 17 people had been apprehended, including the alleged mastermind behind the recruitment ring, according to Reuters. Rodriguez explained that the group's leader had relied on two individuals living in Cuba to entice Cubans into fighting for Russia but did not disclose their identities.
Those implicated in this network could face severe penalties, including up to 30 years in prison, life sentences, or even the death penalty, depending on the gravity of their crimes, as stated by prosecutor Jose Luis Reyes.
Historically, Russia and Cuba have shared a communist ideology and maintained diplomatic ties. However, in July, Cuba faced criticism for opposing specific language condemning Russia in a joint EU-Latin America statement regarding Moscow's actions in Ukraine.
As Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine encounters resistance on multiple fronts, the Kremlin has been actively seeking new recruits. In July, Russia raised the military draft age to 30 years.
On Monday, Cuba reiterated its stance that it is not involved in the conflict in Ukraine and does not wish to appear complicit in these actions, denouncing the human trafficking ring in the process.
Source: 24Brussels.online
Comments