The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba reiterates its absolute rejection of the false accusations that the United States government — devoid of any basis or evidence — continues to disseminate regarding alleged Cuban participation in the military conflict in Ukraine, with the aim of confusing and misinforming the international community.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically reaffirms that Cuba is not a party to this conflict, nor does it participate with military personnel there or in any other country.
Cuba supports the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and negotiation — including in the case of Ukraine — in adherence to international law and the United Nations Charter.
Unlike the United States, Cuba has a clean record regarding the fight against the grave scourge of mercenarism, a practice for which the country maintains a zero-tolerance policy. Consequently, Cuba prosecutes and penalizes mercenarism in accordance with its national legislation and international obligations.
None of the Cuban citizens who have participated or are participating on any side of this conflict have received encouragement, support or consent from any Cuban state or government institution. In the vast majority of cases, the recruitment of these Cuban citizens—much like that of individuals of many other nationalities—was carried out from abroad.
Since 2023, 17 preliminary investigative files concerning the crime of mercenarism have been opened, involving 49 defendants. Of these, 43 have been brought before the courts across 12 separate legal proceedings, with prosecutors seeking prison sentences ranging from 5 to 16 years. In 5 cases involving 6 defendants, the Office of the Prosecutor General of the Republic decided not to pursue criminal charges and ordered the dismissal of the cases, as their involvement in the alleged crime could not be proven. To date, 10 oral trials have been held, with 2 others still pending. The sentences imposed on the defendants were in line with the requests made by the Office of the Prosecutor General of the Republic.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates Cuba’s firm commitment against mercenarism, as well as its readiness to explore avenues for cooperation — in accordance with national legislation and international obligations — to prevent, confront, and punish this serious crime in all its manifestations.
Havana, October 21, 2026.
