- October 5, 2025
- 5:32 pm
- World News
What happened. The administration of Donald Trump intensified global diplomatic contacts to disrupt the annual UN General Assembly resolution on lifting the US embargo against Cuba. The key argument is the participation of Cuban citizens in the Russian war against Ukraine: according to an internal State Department telegram, up to 1–5 thousand Cubans are fighting on Moscow’s side.
Source. An internal State Department memorandum from October 2, reported by Reuters. The document states that “after North Korea, Cuba is the largest supplier of foreign fighters for Russian aggression.”
What Washington says
A State Department representative stated that “the Cuban regime failed to protect its citizens from being used as pawns in the Russian-Ukrainian war.”
US diplomatic missions have been tasked with persuading partners to vote against the resolution or at least abstain/not vote — any drop in votes “for” is considered a success for Washington.
Figures and formulations
Range of estimates: from 1,000 to 5,000 Cubans on the front on the side of the Russian Federation.
Status of information: the State Department does not disclose details but confirms awareness of the participation.
US rhetorical emphasis: Cuba supports the invasion and thus does not deserve “symbolic validation” through the annual UN resolution.
Context of the UN vote
The resolution on lifting the embargo against Cuba traditionally passes by an overwhelming majority: in 2024 — 187 votes “for,” “against” — only the US and Israel.
The White House seeks to reduce support in the UN General Assembly, emphasizing the “victimization” nature of the Cuban narrative. Importantly: even if the resolution passes again, only the US Congress can lift the embargo.
Why this is important for Ukraine
Information front. The thesis about “mercenaries” strengthens Kyiv’s argument about the international nature of Russian aggression and can influence sanctions and defense discussions in Global South countries.
Diplomatic pressure. If Washington succeeds in reducing support for Cuba, it will be an indicator of the readiness of some states to consider the Ukrainian factor in UN votes.
Legal and humanitarian plots. Stories of recruiting foreign citizens (through labor contracts, promises of citizenship, payments to families) enter the agenda of human rights organizations and media — increasing the visibility of the war against Ukraine.
The day’s picture: who and how can influence the outcome
Latin American capitals. Their voting is critical for the balance of “for/against/abstained.”
Europe and G7. In public rhetoric, they are in solidarity with Ukraine; the question is whether they are ready to support the American line specifically on the Cuban resolution.
Global South countries. A wavering block, sensitive to the argument of “unilateral sanctions,” but responsive to facts of third-country involvement in the war.
What’s next
Short horizon. Until the UN General Assembly vote — an intensive lobbying sprint, series of bilateral demarches, briefings, and “off-the-record” consultations.
Long horizon. Even if the American effort fails at the UN, the topic of “Russian foreign fighters” will be entrenched in the diplomatic agenda and media — with consequences for Cuba, including visa and financial risks.
