Statement by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs from Havana on October 11, 2025
The Government of the Republic of Cuba rejects the false accusations that the United States government is spreading about Cuba’s alleged involvement in the military conflict in Ukraine. This is a slanderous accusation that began in 2023 by some media outlets, without providing any evidence or basis whatsoever, and clearly fulfilling a commissioned service.
The Cuban government categorically reaffirms that Cuba is not part of the armed conflict in Ukraine, nor does it participate with military personnel there or in any other country.
Our authorities do not have precise information about Cuban nationals who, on their own initiative, have participated or are participating in the military forces of either side in the armed conflict. What is irrefutable is that none of them have the encouragement, commitment, or consent of the Cuban state for their actions.
The Cuban government, in accordance with its national legislation and international obligations, has a policy of zero tolerance for mercenary activities, human trafficking, and the participation of its nationals in any armed confrontation in another country, all of which constitute crimes with very severe penalties under the national legal system.
As stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 4, 2023, upon detecting the presence of Cubans in the conflict in Ukraine, steps were taken to neutralize recruitment within the national territory and criminal proceedings were initiated to that end.
Between 2023 and 2025, nine criminal proceedings for the crime of mercenary activity were brought before Cuban courts against 40 defendants. In eight cases, trials have been held, of which five resulted in convictions against 26 defendants, with sentences ranging from five to 14 years of imprisonment. Three cases are pending sentencing by the court, and one case is pending trial.
The Cubans participating on both sides of the armed conflict have been recruited through organizations that are not based in our country and have no connection whatsoever with the Cuban government. The vast majority of this recruitment is carried out from abroad among nationals who reside or are temporarily staying in various countries, as is the case with the recruitment of a multitude of nationalities for that conflict, in numbers that are also unclear.
The U.S. government has not and cannot provide any evidence to support the unfounded and false accusations in its new smear campaign against Cuba.