New statements from Frank Darío Jarrosay Manfuga, a Cuban mercenary detained in Ukraine who enlisted in the Russian invasion, have been published by Diario Las Américas. Frank Darío was captured in the Marinka area of the Donetsk region earlier this year.
In his statements, the young man claims he was unaware if Cuba knew that Russia was recruiting Cubans for this internationally condemned invasion. He recounted that he departed from the Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport in Varadero, Matanzas, along with five other individuals he did not know.
Upon arriving in Russia, he explained that he went through the usual airport procedures and stated that no one was waiting for him. "You do the normal check-in and go through the normal process," he said, referring to the migration transit. When asked by the journalist if he noticed anything unusual at Varadero Airport, the young man said no, everything went smoothly. "Everything was normal," he described his flight to the Eurasian nation.
He noted that the ticket purchase was handled by the people who contacted him from Russia. "That was free," he mentioned. "That’s Russia; I wouldn’t even know the names," he clarified. Upon his arrival in Russia, he was surprised to be sent to war. "It was put on the uniform, stand here, go there," he listed succinctly about the recruitment process.
"I took this step out of necessity, not for any other reason," he justified his decision. When asked by the journalist, "Did you know you were coming to a war?" his response was, "I did not."
Days after the capture of this young Cuban was revealed, CiberCuba tracked down three Facebook profiles under the name Frank Darío Jarrosay Manfuga, a musician affiliated with the Compañía Danza Libre, residing in Guantánamo, and an industrial engineer by academic training. Graduated from the University of Guantánamo and single, Jarrosay Manfuga was born on September 6, 1989, in that eastern Cuban city.
During the interrogation conducted by the Ukrainians, the Cuban mercenary revealed that he had been enlisted in the Russian army since January 16. He explained that he was contacted by other Cubans in Russia, who told him that the Russians were looking for people "to work in construction." In exchange, they offered him a contract of 250,000 rubles a month (more than $2,700 a month) and Russian citizenship. Frank Darío accepted and ended up on the front lines, where he was captured by the Ukrainians.
Days later, the Ukrainian government exposed him during a press conference and denounced the involvement of a high number of mercenaries from the island fighting with Russian troops.
Key Questions About Cuban Mercenaries in Ukraine
Given the surprising and troubling involvement of Cuban mercenaries in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, many questions arise regarding their recruitment, objectives, and the broader implications for international relations.
How are Cubans being recruited for the Russian invasion?
Cubans are reportedly being contacted by other Cubans already in Russia, who inform them about job opportunities in construction. However, once they arrive, they are often recruited to join the military efforts.
What incentives are offered to Cuban recruits?
Recruiters offer contracts of 250,000 rubles per month (over $2,700) and the promise of Russian citizenship to entice Cubans to join the military efforts.
What has been the international response to Cuban mercenaries in Ukraine?
The international community has condemned the involvement of Cuban mercenaries in the conflict, highlighting the troubling nature of their recruitment and participation in the invasion.