In its push to hold captured territory in Ukraine, Russia has turned to countries like North Korea for added manpower. Now, it appears additional support is also coming from Cuban mercenaries.

Moscow

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Videos reviewed by CBS News appear to show Cuban nationals captured by Ukrainian forces on the front lines, reportedly fighting for Russia. Ukrainian officials estimate up to 20,000 Cubans have been recruited as mercenaries, with some offered one-year contracts and a monthly salary significantly higher than average wages in Cuba. 

Cuban authorities deny involvement in the recruitment and claim to have acted against trafficking rings. However, activists and Ukrainian officials allege that many Cubans are misled about their roles and end up in combat. Reports suggest dozens of Cubans have been killed, and private social media posts show some wearing military fatigues with Cuban and Russian flags.

Cubans seen apparently fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Videos obtained by CBS News appear to show Cuban nationals captured by Ukraine on the front lines with Russia. Ukrainian officials estimate as many as 20,000 Cubans have been recruited by Russia to fight as mercenaries. Florida Republican Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart. The Cubans are looking any way to get out, but they're recruiting Cubans from around the island, sometimes with these false promises. Cuban officials say Cubans are being offered one-year contracts, such as this one, with the promise of a $2,000 monthly salary. The average monthly salary in Cuba is equivalent to less than $20 U.S. The average age of the mercenaries is 35. Officials also shared copies of dozens of passports belonging to Cubans they believe to be mercenaries. Cuban-American activist Orlando Gutierrez-Boronat traveled to Ukraine last year and spoke to one of the Cuban nationals. He went from Cuba to Russia on a flight full of Cubans. Boronat says the prisoner was told he'd do construction, helping rebuild cities destroyed in the war. But when he got there, what happened? When he arrived in Russia, he found out that he and dozens of other Cubans were being assigned combat roles on the front lines. Officials in Ukraine have compiled a list of 39 Cubans who have been killed, but believe the death toll to be much higher. Marian Zablotsky is a member of Ukraine's parliament. We think that eventually the number of Cuban troops will hit at least 25,000, becoming the number one contingent of foreign troops in Russia. The Cuban government denied any involvement and said they've cracked down on trafficking rings recruiting Cuban nationals. This doesn't happen without the Cuban government knowing about it. Absolutely does not happen without the coordination and the approval and the support of the Cuban regime. According to private Facebook groups, Cuban nationals have shared pictures wearing fatigues with both Cuban and Russian flags. Cristian Benavides, CBS News, Miami.

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Cubans seen apparently fighting for Russia in Ukraine

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Ukraine Invasion