Art historian and activist Carolina Barrero Ferrer accused the Cuban regime of sending young soldiers to die in the war between Russia and Ukraine, as part of a corrupt geopolitical strategy orchestrated by Havana and Moscow. Speaking from the Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, at the front lines of the conflict, the Cuban activist warned on Instagram that these young men are mere pawns: “Don't be fooled; they are sent to Russia to die, used as cannon fodder.”
“Cuba, the country that should be protecting them, is sending them to their deaths,” Barrero emphasized, referring to the presence of Cuban mercenaries in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. “Our struggle is for freedom, not to subject another people to the empire of evil. It is the same struggle as that of the heroic people of Ukraine,” said the activist, denouncing the recruitment of young Cubans to join the Kremlin's army.
These accusations add to those made by Ukraine, civil society in the Caribbean nation, and some family members of Cuban mercenaries, raising concern in the international community. “This is also my response to the Russian warships and the nuclear submarine that this week threaten the world from the port of Havana,” Barrero declared, highlighting an event interpreted as a demonstration of Russian power to the world.
Finally, from Mykolaiv, the young activist called for the liberation of both Cuba and Ukraine. Despite international outcry, Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues to exact a bloody toll.
Recently, Cuban citizen Mario Alberto Céspedes Pérez died, an event lamented despite his ties to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), where he served as a trained collaborator to repress his fellow countrymen. According to Cubanet, Céspedes' death occurred on May 14, as initially reported by an ex-girlfriend of his brother and later confirmed by “a person claiming to be a lawyer, who showed a photo of the deceased taken four days prior, with the body kept in a preservation chamber.”
The mercenary, who had fallen into misfortune a year earlier as a homeless immigrant in Moscow, was an employee of the Municipal Hygiene and Epidemiology Center of Puerto Padre. In that area of Las Tunas, specifically at the corner of Alejo Tomás and Juan Gualberto Gómez streets, he left behind three orphaned children.
In May, another Cuban died on the Russian front in Ukraine while the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel visited Russia “to strengthen ties” with Vladimir Putin's regime. Eduardo Montero Martínez, born on June 1, 1978, in the city of Cienfuegos, lost his life in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. His body was buried in the city of Kerch, as announced by the local administration head, Svyatoslav Brusakov, cited by the Crimea Realities newspaper.
Implications of Cuban Involvement in the Ukraine Conflict
These questions and answers provide further insight into the pressing issues surrounding the involvement of young Cuban soldiers in the Ukraine conflict and the broader geopolitical ramifications.
Why is Cuba sending young soldiers to Ukraine?
The Cuban regime is reportedly sending young soldiers to Ukraine as part of a corrupt geopolitical strategy orchestrated with Russia.
What has been the international response to these accusations?
The international community has expressed concern over the involvement of Cuban mercenaries in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with various parties making similar accusations.
Who is Carolina Barrero Ferrer?
Carolina Barrero Ferrer is an art historian and activist who has been outspoken about the Cuban regime's actions and policies, including the sending of young soldiers to Ukraine.
What was the role of Mario Alberto Céspedes Pérez in the conflict?
Mario Alberto Céspedes Pérez was a Cuban mercenary who died in the Ukraine conflict. Despite his ties to the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, his death was mourned.