The Russians are recruiting almost all over the world: this is how they try to convince applicants

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According to an investigation published by the BBC on May 4, 2024, based on leaked documents, Russia is recruiting Cuban citizens into the Russian armed forces. According to the information, they are trying to lure the residents of the Caribbean country with the promise of a salary of about 2,000 dollars a month and a Russian passport. The report claims that hundreds of Cubans have already joined the Russian military since the full-scale invasion that began in February 2022.

During the British investigation, 200 names published in the previous Ukrainian hacker attack were examined, and in 31 cases the published names were found to be real. Searching through social media posts, they found that some Cubans do receive Russian passports a few months after joining the armed forces. According to reports, there are also Cuban citizens who came to Russia hoping to work in the construction industry, but ended up being sent to the eastern front in Ukraine. In September 2023, Cuba revealed the existence of a people-smuggling network whose purpose was to recruit people to fight in Ukraine. The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically rejected this.

Russia is constantly seeking to recruit foreigners for its war against Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is thus trying to avoid domestic mobilization. In addition to Nepal, Cuba, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Somalia, the recruitment targets include citizens of other Central Asian and African countries.

With a decree issued in January, Russian President Vladimir Putin made it possible for foreigners joining the Russian armed forces to obtain Russian citizenship. Havana and Moscow have a long-standing close relationship, dating back to the Cold War. Their agreements include the possibility of visa-free travel and direct flights between Havana and Moscow. The flights further facilitate the recruitment of Cubans into the ranks of Russian formations.

The cover image is an illustration. Cover image source: Getty Images