A Cuban woman living in Ukraine has shared insights into how Ukrainians view life in Cuba. Massiel Hernández Castro, known as massi_h_c on TikTok, has expressed that Ukrainians generally perceive Cuba as a beautiful, idyllic destination, largely unaware of the island's profound economic and social challenges.
The perception of Cuba among Ukrainians is shaped by cultural, tourism, and political narratives. They often associate the island with vibrant music, stunning beaches, and lively people. However, there seems to be a lack of awareness about the severe issues facing Cuba. In her brief commentary, Massiel emphasized to her followers, "Life in Cuba is harder than in Ukraine, even during wartime."
In a prior video, Massiel discussed why she chose not to return to Cuba when the war in Ukraine began. Despite suggestions to go back to her homeland due to the conflict, she believes that the daily hardships in Cuba are more daunting than living in a war-torn country.
The Daily Struggles in Cuba
She highlighted issues such as the lack of public transportation, the inability to simply buy a coffee at a café, or purchase clothes in stores—challenges that, according to her, are not as prevalent in Ukraine, despite the ongoing war.
Massiel concluded her reflections by stating that she prefers to face the uncertainties of war rather than the daily limitations imposed by life in Cuba.