Cuba denies US accusations of involvement in Ukraine war
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Cuba rejects US claims of involvement in Ukraine war, citing zero-tolerance policy on mercenary activity and no state role in foreign armed conflicts.
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Cuban and American flags fly in the wind outside the American embassy in Havana, Cuba on January 14, 2025. (AP)
The Cuban government has firmly rejected recent US accusations that it is involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, calling the claims “baseless” and part of a hostile political agenda.
In an official statement issued Sunday, the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied any participation by Cuban forces or government entities in the war, which began in 2022.
“Cuba is not a party to the armed conflict in Ukraine, nor is it participating with any military forces there or in any other country,” the ministry said.
Havana reaffirms zero tolerance toward mercenary activity
Cuba emphasized that it rejects all forms of mercenary activity and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward the participation of its citizens in foreign armed conflicts.
“The Cuban government does not have accurate information about any Cuban citizens who have participated individually in the conflict, and any potential participation would be without the encouragement or approval of the state,” the statement noted.
Between 2023 and 2025, Cuban courts handled nine criminal cases related to mercenary activities, convicting 26 defendants and sentencing them to prison terms ranging from 5 to 14 years.
Recruitment done by foreign entities, Cuba says
Cuba further asserted that any recruitment of Cuban nationals for participation in foreign wars is carried out by external organizations with no affiliation to the Cuban government.
“Cuba pursues a zero-tolerance policy toward mercenary crimes, human trafficking, and the participation of its citizens in any armed conflict outside its territory,” the ministry said, stressing compliance with national law and international obligations.
Context: Ongoing western allegations
This latest statement comes in response to Western media reports claiming Cuban involvement in the Ukrainian war—claims which Havana dismissed as politically motivated.
“These accusations serve hostile political agendas,” the statement said.It is not the first time Cuba has pushed back against such claims.
In September 2023, the government issued a similar statement warning of severe penalties for any Cubans found to be involved in foreign conflicts without authorization.
