Ukraine Publishes Names of 39 Fallen Cuban Soldiers in Ongoing Conflict
Ukraine’s Telegram channel, “Quiero vivir,” has unveiled the names of 39 Cubans killed while fighting for Russia. This information was released on May 8, 2025, just before Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations. The list highlights the involvement and tragic fate of foreign soldiers in this ongoing conflict, raising questions about the accountability of their respective governments.
On May 8, 2025, a government-run Telegram channel in Ukraine unveiled the names of 39 Cuban citizens who reportedly died while serving in the Russian military. This timing was conspicuously set just one day before Moscow’s anticipated Victory Day parade, which commemorated the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat. The channel, known in Spanish as “Quiero vivir” or “I Want to Live,” aims to shed light on foreign soldiers’ deaths, including those from various nations such as Syria and Belarus.
The information released has raised concerns regarding the treatment of foreign soldiers within the conflict. “Do the leaders of these countries have the courage to remind Putin that he recruits their citizens with impunity for his war, then forgets them as soon as they die or are captured?” the channel stated. This inquiry highlights the disconnect between political leaders and the soldiers who serve. The ongoing project has tracked over 600 foreign military casualties, although these numbers likely do not include the total fatalities from the war.
From April 1 to May 2025, “Quiero Vivir” listed 5,204 foreign mercenaries. Of this staggering figure, over 1,000 identified as Cuban, which is around one-fifth of the reported total. Interestingly, not all listed casualties hail from nations closely aligned with Russia, as countries like Sri Lanka have faced significant losses too. This expansion of the casualty base reflects the international nature of the conflict.
The organization elTOQUE further verified some names from the released list, particularly as several deaths had been previously reported, albeit lacking specific dates. For instance, the tragic death of Raibel Palacio Herrera was confirmed to have occurred on January 12, 2024, while young boxer Yansiel Morejón Díaz was reported to have died on December 28, 2023. Cross-referencing findings matched many names with local Russian news sources as well.
Among the deceased, the oldest identified soldier was 62-year-old Reinerio Robles. Meanwhile, the youngest casualty, Juan Raúl Pedroso, fell at the age of 23 in June 2024. However, this list of 39 is not comprehensive. Investigative efforts by various media outlets suggest there may be additional unreported Cuban fatalities.
Moreover, elTOQUE has received troubling reports in recent months about Cuban soldiers missing in action. While the full list of confirmed dead soldiers is being shared, it is important to note that not every detail could be independently corroborated. Precaution is exercised, given that numerous families may opt not to disclose these tragedies, leaving names unrecorded and voices unheard.
The recent release of names by the Ukrainian Telegram channel reveals the sobering reality of Cuban soldiers’ involvement in the conflict alongside Russia. This brings to light the grim outcome of foreign participation in warfare and raises questions about national responsibility and accountability. As investigations continue, it remains crucial to ascertain the true extent of foreign military casualties and provide closure for the families affected by this tragic loss.
Original Source: havanatimes.org
