Francisco García Ariz, a Cuban national who initially moved to Russia seeking better prospects, found himself ensnared in a conflict he never anticipated. After being drafted to fight in the war between Russia and Ukraine, Francisco managed to escape and is now seeking political asylum from a refugee camp in Greece, as he explained in a live broadcast shared on the Facebook page of La Tijera.
During his broadcast, the young Cuban acknowledged that some might label him a "mercenary," but he emphasized that he no longer wished to be a "hitman." His account did not provide details about his deployment location or how he managed to desert and reach Greece. His story, sprinkled with expressions of regret, left no room for culpability or moral conflict. According to García Ariz, only God can judge the choices he has made.
In a defiant tone, he admitted that his decision would attract criticism but justified it as the sole way he found to emigrate. However, his words sparked intense debate on social media about the involvement of Cubans in this war.
The Journey from Cuba to Greece Through a Bloody Battlefield
García Ariz recounted how he left Cuba, driven by the economic crisis, to seek a better future in Russia. Initially promised a construction job, he was instead coerced into enlisting in the Russian military. "I don't want to be a hitman anymore… I focused on getting my girlfriend out of Cuba, took her to Russia, and we devised a plan to reach Greece, which we consider a safe place," he expressed in a live transmission.
During his testimony, Francisco acknowledged that many would criticize him for his involvement in the conflict. However, he insisted that only God can judge him and stressed that he does not wish to partake in violent acts again. "I don't feel good about what I did, but it's done. I hope the comments are respectful, although I know many will judge me."
The Harsh Reality for Cuban Mercenaries
García Ariz's situation is not unique. Numerous reports indicate that hundreds of Cubans have been recruited to fight in Ukraine, many under false pretenses of employment contracts. Once in Russia, they are offered citizenship and salaries up to $2,000 monthly in exchange for fighting on the front lines. However, the actual conditions are far removed from these promises, and many Cubans have reported being deceived by Russian authorities.
In March 2024, Ukrainian forces released a video interrogating Frank Darío Jarrosay Manfuga, another Cuban captured in Donetsk. He claimed to have been recruited early in the year and sent to the front after brief training. Later, in July 2024, Denis Frank Pacheco Rubio, a native of Santa Clara, was reported dead after being identified through documents found on the battlefield. These cases highlight a disturbing trend of exploitation and abuse.
Polarized Reactions on Social Media
García Ariz's testimony ignited a heated debate on social media. Some users praised his bravery in deserting and seeking refuge in Greece, while others criticized his initial decision to join the conflict. "Congratulations for not supporting Russia; it's a dictatorship like Cuba's"; "I commend you, brother. The Ukrainian people don't deserve for Cubans to fight for Putin's dictatorship," commented Facebook users.
"Why did he leave? It wasn't mandatory"; "An escape route; the reason justifies the means, whatever it may be and wherever it leads"; "Thank God he managed to escape. Good for him," expressed others. "It's better to rest your head calmly on a pillow than to have a troubled conscience"; "How much harm must he have done to have no peace in his conscience?" questioned other users regarding García Ariz's decisions.
"The ignorance of the Cuban is on another level: going to war without training"; "Let this serve as an example for those planning to go as mercenaries," remarked some internet users.
Complicity or Desperation?
The participation of Cubans in this war has called into question the Cuban regime, which denies any involvement in recruiting its citizens. However, reports from international organizations like Inform Napalm suggest possible connections between Cuba and Russia in these processes. For many, the responsibility lies in the context of poverty that drives these individuals to seek extreme alternatives, even if it means facing mortal risks and becoming involved in the armed forces of an aggressive power accused of committing genocide in Ukraine.
García Ariz symbolizes a generation of Cubans caught between the poverty of their homeland and exploitation abroad. His decision to defect is an act of survival that highlights the complexity of the circumstances these young people face, marked by propaganda, misinformation, and a lack of rights and freedoms in their own country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Mercenaries in Ukraine
Why are Cubans being recruited to fight in Ukraine?
Many Cubans are being recruited under false pretenses of employment contracts, with promises of citizenship and high salaries, only to find themselves forced into combat.
What challenges do Cuban soldiers face in Russia?
Cuban soldiers often face harsh conditions that are far removed from the promises made to them, including inadequate training and the reality of being caught in a brutal conflict.