Overview
- Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced on Oct. 29 that Ukraine said it has closed its embassy in Havana and will downgrade diplomatic relations.
- Kyiv voted against the UN General Assembly resolution calling for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba, framing the move as a response to Havana’s inaction on recruitment.
- Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) reported at least 1,076 Cuban nationals have fought or are fighting for Russia, while a U.S. cable estimated 1,000–5,000.
- Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak accused Cuba of serving as a strategic asset for Russia and enabling thousands of Cuban fighters, including helping Moscow evade sanctions.
- Cuba’s foreign ministry denied the allegations and called U.S. claims false.