Another young Cuban, identified as Jolius Bernal, has reportedly died in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, according to posts from his acquaintances on social media. Several Facebook profiles expressed sorrow on Wednesday over the death of Bernal, who lived in Havana and was a boxer, according to his profile. He died on the Russian front in Ukraine.
"Today I want to ask the Universe, all the angels, the archangels, to bring me the news that you are alive, fighting for your family, that your heart is beating. You are super strong and I trust in you and the faith I have that you just couldn't report back but are okay," one friend posted.
Another friend added, "Jolius, you left without fulfilling the promise to reunite with me and Jesús, to sit down and have some cold drinks while laughing at each other. You left us with a profound pain in our souls."
So far, the circumstances surrounding Bernal's death have not been made public.
Increasing Presence of Cuban Mercenaries in Ukraine
It is believed that between 400 and 3,000 Cubans have joined Putin's army as mercenaries, lured by promises of good salaries and migration guarantees.
In mid-March, the Ukrainian government raised concerns about the growing number of Cuban mercenaries in the war during a press conference in Kiev. "We see photos and videos from the Russian side showing many Cuban mercenaries," stated Petró Yatsenko, head of press for the Ukrainian Committee for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
Yatsenko criticized the Cuban regime for allowing the recruitment of its citizens by Russia, despite reports that many are misled and confirmation that dozens, mostly young men, have died on the front lines. "We cannot confirm this as a state program, but we know that no one is opposing it," Yatsenko said, condemning the unrestricted work of "Russian agitators" in Cuba. Eight prisoners of war, including one Cuban, attended that press conference.
In July, two other Cubans, one identified as Denis Frank Pacheco Rubio, a 42-year-old from Santa Clara, also died in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Questions About Cuban Involvement in the Ukraine War
Given the increasing reports of Cuban mercenaries in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, many people have questions about their involvement and the implications. Here are some key questions and answers.
Why are Cubans joining the war in Ukraine?
Many Cubans are reportedly being lured into joining the war as mercenaries with promises of good salaries and migration guarantees, despite being misled about the reality of the conflict.
How many Cubans are believed to be fighting in the Ukraine conflict?
Estimates suggest that between 400 and 3,000 Cubans have joined the conflict on the Russian side as mercenaries.
What has been the response of the Cuban government to this issue?
The Cuban government has been criticized for its tolerance of Russian recruitment efforts in Cuba, with no significant opposition to the practice being reported.