Over the past two days, numerous international press agencies have reported that Cuba has arrested 17 individuals that were part of an alleged human trafficking ring that lured Cuban citizens, under the pretext of securing employment overseas, to serve in the Russian military in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This is a clear illustration of the continual insidious tactics employed by imperialist forces around the globe against the people of Cuba.

Cuba, a nation that has steadfastly defended its socialist principles for decades, is now confronted with a menace that seeks to undermine its sovereignty — a menace that was once a close ally and friend. The Cuban authorities recently revealed their efforts to “neutralize and dismantle” this nefarious network, which operated both on Cuba’s sovereign soil and in Russia. These efforts to combat exploitation demand our continued support and solidarity with Cuba against imperialist aggression. 

Reuters quoted Cesar Rodriguez of Cuba’s Interior Ministry as stating, “As a result of investigations, 17 people have been arrested so far, among them the internal organizer of these activities.” While Rodriguez refrained from naming those accused, it is crucial to recognize the courage of the Cuban authorities in confronting this imperialist scheme head-on. The alleged ringleader of this operation relied on two individuals residing in Cuba to recruit young Cubans to serve as mercenaries for Russia in Ukraine. This heinous act of luring vulnerable young individuals into a conflict zone exposes the callousness of imperialist forces and their disregard for human lives, and serves to chip away at the illusion that “Eastern Capital” can function and grow without evolving into imperialism as its western counterparts did centuries ago.

Additionally, Cuban prosecutor Jose Luis Reyes was cited as stating that, if found guilty, the conspirators could receive sentences ranging from 30 years to life imprisonment, or even the death penalty. Penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the alleged crimes, which could include human trafficking, serving as a mercenary, and taking hostile action against a foreign state.

Between the dependency created by Soviet social imperialism during the Cold War, and the brutal hardships brought on by the illegal embargo and blockade put in place by NATO forces, the Cuban people face certain vulnerabilities to predatory powers who promise opportunity with one hand, while concealing a dagger in the other. This vulnerability is what the imperialist forces have exploited, taking advantage of the obstruction caused by imperialist policies to recruit desperate individuals for their own ends.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decree allowing foreigners who join the Russian army to receive fast-tracked citizenship adds another layer to this disturbing situation. While this decree was issued by Russia, not Cuba, it has contributed to the manipulation of Cuban citizens for imperialist purposes.

Cuba has unequivocally stated that it plays no part in the war in Ukraine and rejects the use of its citizens as mercenaries. This assertion must be taken seriously, as Cuba has consistently been a beacon of anti-imperialist resistance and a proponent of peace and self-determination for all nations.

Let us stand in solidarity with Cuba, a nation that has historically resisted imperialist aggression against all odds. The allegations of human trafficking and exploitation must be seen within the context of Russian imperialism’s attempts to exploit Cuba’s vulnerabilities. We must support the efforts of the Cuban people to combat this latest production of imperialism. Together, we shall expose the true culprits and defend Cuba against the machinations of imperialist forces. West, East, North, and South, long live the struggle against imperialism!

The Red Phoenix will continue reporting on this situation as more details come to light.

Categories: Cuba, Imperialism, Imperialist War, International, Russia