Ukrainian Briefing Highlights Foreign Support for Russian Invasion

During a virtual session on Thursday, members of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada addressed Congress, stating that Russia’s invasion capabilities largely stem from support from nations deemed as state sponsors of terrorism, specifically Iran, Cuba, and North Korea.

The U.S. State Department identifies these countries as national sponsors along with Syria, although there are indications that Syria may soon be removed from that list due to changes in its leadership under Bashar Assad. The designation is given to nations that consistently support international terrorism.

Ukrainian MP Marian Zabrotsky, who leads the Verkhovna Rada’s free Cuban Caucus, communicated to American lawmakers that Russia heavily relies on these nations for military supplies.

Zabrotsky noted, “For instance, around 60% of the shells being used against us come from North Korea. Additionally, much of the damage to our infrastructure is inflicted by Iranian drones, some of which are partially assembled in Venezuela. But that’s another story.”

He argued that without the military backing from these state sponsors, Russia’s attacks could have been significantly diminished. Zabrotsky called for U.S. lawmakers to consider legislation that could potentially hinder Russia’s access to these resources.

The briefing particularly emphasized Cuba’s involvement, claiming that Cuban forces are actively fighting alongside Russian troops in Ukraine. The session was organized by Representative Mario Diaz-Balart and included participation from other Florida lawmakers. The discussion was moderated by Orlando Gutiels Boronato, a leader in the Cuban Resistance Rally.

Similar to North Korea’s admission of deploying numerous troops to the conflict, Cuba has also reportedly lost lives on the battlefield. Despite the Cuban Communist Party’s denial of involvement, stating they are combating “traffickers,” Ukrainian officials contend there is evidence suggesting Cuban contributors are indeed engaged in the war effort.

Ukrainian military intelligence, represented by Andri Yusov, claimed at the briefing that around 20,000 Cubans have been recruited by Russia, making Cuba a top source of foreign mercenaries. “Most of these individuals are offered contracts to fight for Russia,” he noted, addressing the audience via translation.

Yusov mentioned many recruits have completed their contracts but were compelled to stay, and that these Cuban fighters are typically around 35 years old, earning about $2,000 each month — a significant amount for many in Cuba.

He explained that the appeal for the Russian regime to recruit Cuban mercenaries is strategic, as there are no family ties or accountability in Russia for any casualties incurred. This situation limits any discontent regarding the war effort.

Another participant from the free Cuban Caucus, Oleksandr Melecko, stressed that Ukraine isn’t just facing a Russian invasion, but confronting a coalition of authoritarian regimes including Belarus, Iran, North Korea, and China that bolster Russia’s military resources.

Melecko labeled Cuba specifically as a key ally in Russia’s “axis of evil,” indicating that the Castro regime not only supports military efforts but also spreads Russian propaganda throughout Latin America, which impacts public perception in these regions.

Furthermore, reports indicate that several Cuban fighters in the conflict are involved in producing propaganda to justify the war to the Russian populace, further entwining Cuba’s role in the broader conflict.

Merezhko, another representative, remarked that dismantling Putin’s regime could lead to the liberation of the Cuban people. He urged European nations providing financial support to Cuba to rethink their contributions, noting that such funds may inadvertently support the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.