Cuba–Ukraine relations
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Cuba–Ukraine relations refers to bilateral relations between the Republic of Cuba and Ukraine. Both countries established relations on 12 March 1992.[1] Both countries' foreign relations have been impacted by their respective relationships with Russia and the previous Soviet Union.
History
Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022-present)
Relations between the two countries declined following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. From 5,000 to 7,000 Cuban nationals were reported to have been recruited by the Russian Armed Forces as mercenaries for the invasion, which the Cuban government denied.[2] In July 2025, a report from El Pais estimated as many as 20,000 Cubans had been recruited into the Russian Army since 2022, with around 200-300 killed. According to Verkhovna Rada member Maryan Zablotskyy, up to 40% of volunteers were part of the Cuban Armed Forces.[3] Cuba also abstained from voting on General Assembly resolutions demanding Russia's withdrawal of forces from Ukraine.[4] First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel praised Vladimir Putin's support for Cuba and blamed the United States for provoking the invasion.[5]
In response, in October 2025, the Ukrainian government closed its embassy in Havana and downgraded its relations with the Cuban government, and additionally voted against an annual United Nations General Assembly resolution against the United States embargo against Cuba, marking the country's first vote supporting the embargo since the General Assembly began passing such resolutions in 1994.[6][7]
References
- ^ "Relations with countries of the American region". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
- ^ Staff, WLRN News (2023-09-07). "Miami exiles claim Cuba helped recruit Cubans to fight for Russia; Cuba strongly denies the charge". WLRN. Retrieved 2025-10-30.
- ^ "Russia recruits Cubans for the frontlines in Ukraine: 'It's all been a scam'". El Pais. 9 June 2025. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
- ^ "UN tells Russia to leave Ukraine: How did your country vote?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-10-30.
- ^ Cuesta, Javier G. (2022-11-23). "Cuba's president praises Putin, blames US for invasion of Ukraine". EL PAÍS English. Retrieved 2025-10-30.
- ^ Agencies, News. "United Nations calls for end to US embargo on Cuba, again". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-10-30.
{{cite web}}:|first=has generic name (help) - ^ "Ukraine closes embassy in Cuba over Russian military recruitment". The Kyiv Independent. 2025-10-29. Retrieved 2025-10-30.