Ukraine Confirms Identity of 39 Cubans Killed While Fighting for Russia

A Ukrainian government Telegram channel disclosed the names of 39 Cubans killed in the Russian military, coinciding with Moscow’s Victory Day. The announcement raises questions about the responsibilities of leaders whose citizens fight in this war. The channel documented 600+ deaths from various nations, with 1,028 Cubans among foreign casualties. Independent outlet elTOQUE confirmed some names and noted ongoing reports of missing Cuban soldiers, underscoring the conflict’s personal toll.

On May 8, 2025, a Telegram channel associated with the Ukrainian government disclosed the names of 39 Cuban individuals who lost their lives while fighting for the Russian military. This announcement was strategically timed just before Moscow’s Victory Day parade, marking 80 years since Nazi Germany’s surrender, which was attended by various heads of state, including Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

The Telegram channel, named “Quiero vivir” (translated as “I Want to Live”), reported every foreign soldier’s name it could verify, revealing deaths from several countries such as Syria, Belarus, and Uzbekistan. The Cuban leader’s presence at the event raises questions about whether he and other leaders will take action to protect their citizens effectively recruited for combat roles by Russia. The channel posed a tough question in its statement regarding these leaders, urging them to consider their responsibilities towards their citizens caught in this conflict.

In its ongoing efforts to track casualties, “Quiero vivir” has identified more than 600 fatalities from the countries listed, although the total foreign military deaths remain unclear— a point echoed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. From April through May 2025, the channel reported a staggering 5,204 foreign fighters, with 1,028 identified as Cuban, which is nearly one-fifth of the total foreign troops.

It is notable that the list did not solely represent countries closely tied to Russia; nations like Sri Lanka also experienced significant losses. Meanwhile, the independent media outlet, elTOQUE, reviewed and confirmed some names, pointing out that certain details had prior recognition, albeit without specified dates. They highlighted cases like that of young boxer Yansiel Morejón Díaz and Raibel Palacio Herrera, reinforcing the somber narrative of loss.

Among the deceased, the oldest soldier was 62-year-old Reinerio Robles, and the youngest was Juan Raúl Pedroso, who was just 23 when he was killed. The list, however, is not definitive, as further investigations suggest other Cuban soldiers have died without documentation by “Quiero vivir,” due in part to families opting to keep such tragedies private.

Recently, elTOQUE has received accounts of Cuban soldiers reported missing in action, heightening the concern surrounding the war’s impact on individuals from Cuba. The outlet is now sharing the confirmed deceased’s names, although it stresses their inability to independently verify every detail. This serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing ramifications of the conflict upon foreign troops.

The full list of casualties includes names like Alexei Aldana Aguilar, Raúl Alemán Morales, and many others, totaling 39, capturing a grim reality of the war’s toll on personal lives and families involved.

In summary, the tragic revelation of 39 Cuban fatalities linked to the Russian military underlines the complex implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The timing of this disclosure raises questions about the responsibilities of foreign leaders, especially regarding their citizens who are sent to war. With the toll of conflict highlighted, the conversation surrounding accountability and the personal impact of such military involvements becomes increasingly urgent. The information released emphasizes the profound human cost of war and the ongoing need for transparency and recognition of those affected.

Original Source: havanatimes.org