Cuba has uncovered a human trafficking network that has forced its citizens to fight for Russia in the war in Ukraine, its Foreign Ministry said on Monday, adding that Cuban authorities were working to “neutralize and dismantle” the network. .
The Cuban Foreign Ministry statement gave few details, but noted that the trafficking network operated both within the Caribbean island nation, thousands of kilometers from Moscow, and in Russia.
“The Ministry of the Interior… is working on the neutralization and dismantling of a human trafficking network that operates from Russia to incorporate Cuban citizens residing there, and even some from Cuba, into the military forces participating in war operations in Ukraine. “said the Cuban minister. the government statement said.
The Russian government has not commented on the allegations.
Russia announced last year a plan to increase the size of its armed forces by more than 30%, up to 1.5 million combat troops, an ambitious goal made more difficult by the high number of casualties in the war. although not yet revealed.
Cuba has uncovered a people-smuggling ring that has forced its citizens to fight for Russia in the war in Ukraine, its Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
Cuba’s foreign ministry provided few details, but noted that the trafficking network was operating both within the Caribbean island nation and in Russia. PA
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (right) and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez shake hands during a meeting in April 2023. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
In late May, a Russian newspaper in the city of Ryazan reported that several Cuban citizens had signed contracts with the Russian armed forces and had been sent to Ukraine in exchange for Russian citizenship.
It was not immediately clear if the Cuban Foreign Ministry statement was associated with the Ryazan report.
But Cuba’s government said it had already begun prosecuting cases in which its citizens had been forced to fight in Ukraine.
“Attempts of this nature have been neutralized and criminal proceedings have been initiated against the people involved in these activities,” the Monday statement read.
Categories: Trending
Source: vtt.edu.vn