Part 3/13:
Cuba’s economy is in freefall, with hyperinflation, collapsing currency, shortages of fuel, medicine, and basic goods. As Cuba owes billions to Russia and relies heavily on Moscow for energy, the Cuban government has found it financially advantageous to send troops in exchange for hard currency and compensation.
Recruits reportedly receive $2,000 per month, an astronomically high sum compared to the average monthly salary of less than $20 within Cuba. Many are lured by the promise of financial stability, but many reportedly do not even realize they will face combat, initially recruited under the guise of construction or logistics work. Once abroad, some are told they are headed for rebuilding efforts, only to find themselves fighting on the front lines.