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Cuban nationals are being offered contracts worth $2,000 (£1,600) a month and potential Russian citizenship for them and their families as part of a targeted campaign to recruit them to fight in Ukraine. Earlier this week, Cuba's Foreign Ministry announced it was working to "neutralise and dismantle" a human trafficking ring that is coercing its citizens into fighting for Moscow. "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 living there, and even some from Cuba, into the military forces participating in war operations in Ukraine," the Cuban government statement said. Now, new details have emerged about a number of groups on social media offering help to get Cuban men recruited into the Russian army. The Moscow Times spoke to one woman who would help facilitate Cubans signing one-year contracts with the Russian army offering a monthly income of 204,000 roubles – and that even those without a passport could sign up with a letter confirming their immigration. “If you don’t have a passport, but you have a photo, then that’s already good. But even if you don’t have a photo, we can sign [a contract],” she told the outlet, saying that she had helped a number of Cubans reach the frontlines in Ukraine. In late May, a Russia newspaper in Ryazan city reported that several Cuban citizens had signed contracts with Russia's armed forces and had been shipped to Ukraine in return for Russian citizenship. The Moscow Times reported that social media posts suggest the woman they spoke to lives in or near Ryazan. Last year, Russia announced a plan to boost the size of its armed forces by more than 30 per cent to 1.5 million combat personnel, a lofty goal made harder by its heavy – but officially undisclosed – casualties in the war. President Vladimir Putin also signed an order reducing the minimum service for international military recruits from five years down to one year, with the chance at fast-track citizenship once their service was completed. Moscow has yet to respond to Cuba's accusations. Russia has strong ties to communist-run Havana and the Cuban Defence Ministry's statement is a rare rebuke given that Cuba has previously criticised Western nations over their support for Ukraine. The defense ministers of Cuba and Russia have discussed the development of joint "technical military" projects at a meeting in Moscow. But Cuba says it is "not part of the war in Ukraine," "[Cuba] is acting and will act energetically against anyone... who participates in any form of human trafficking for the purpose of recruitment of Cuban citizens as mercenaries to use arms against any country," the Defence Ministry said, adding that criminal proceedings had started against some of those involved. The Moscow Times also spoke to two Cuban men who said they were looking to serve Russia's military. “I know that they pay very well, and it’s a great way to make a lot of money quickly,” one of the men said. “They pay a lot, and I need the money. I’ll probably later stay in Russia,” the other added. Reuters contributed to this report

When news broke of a shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, one year ago, President Joe Biden was on his way back from Tokyo following a major international summit.

By Jarrett Renshaw A barrage of state and federal criminal charges leveled against your main political rival should

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 29, 2023--

The Polish parliament is meeting for the first time after an election last month heralded a change of course for the Central European nation at a time of war across the border in Ukraine

Manchester City have completed the signing of Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea. The treble winners have announced the 29-year-old has signed a four-year contract at the Etihad Stadium after the clubs agreed an initial fee of £25million, with a potential extra £5million in add-ons, last week. Kovacic joins Pep Guardiola’s side after five years at Chelsea, where he won the Champions League and Europa League and made 221 appearances. To be joining this squad really is a dream for any footballer Mateo Kovacic He is City’s first signing of the summer and his arrival compensates for the departure of captain Ilkay Gundogan, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer on Monday after seven years at the club. Kovacic said: “This is a brilliant move for me and I cannot wait to get started with City. “Anyone who has watched this team under Pep knows how good they are. For me, they are the best in the world. “The trophies they have won are clear for all to see, but they are also the best footballing side out there. “To be joining this squad really is a dream for any footballer. I still have plenty of learning and developing to do, and I know under Pep’s management I can become a better player, which is really exciting for me. “My plan now is to rest for a few weeks before coming back to Manchester to prepare for the new season. I want to help this club stay at the top and win more trophies.” Kovacic is a four-time Champions League winner having also enjoyed success in Europe’s elite competition three times with Real Madrid before joining the Blues. A versatile player, he began his career with Dinamo Zagreb and has also had a spell at Inter Milan. He has earned 95 caps for his country and will inherit Gundogan’s number eight shirt. City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “Mateo is an excellent footballer. “He can play as a ‘six’ or an ‘eight’, has plenty of experience at top-level clubs and he understands the Premier League. “It was a very simple decision to bring him to City because he has the tactical and technical qualities we are looking for in a midfielder. “He is someone we have monitored for a very long time and always we were impressed whenever we watched him. I am delighted he is here. “This is a great signing for this club, and I am very excited to watch what he can do with Pep and the rest of our backroom team.” Kovacic may not be Guardiola’s only midfield reinforcement this summer, with speculation that the champions have had a bid rejected for West Ham’s Declan Rice. The England international is widely expected to leave the London Stadium and has reportedly already been the subject of two failed approaches from Arsenal. It has been claimed City made an offer totalling £90million for the 24-year-old but the Hammers are said to be holding out for a fee of £100million. City have not commented on the reports. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ben Stokes stands by England’s approach ahead of second Ashes Test Tottenham complete signing of Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario Josh Tongue: From retirement talk to Ashes chance, with the help of Botox jabs

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England coach Steve Borthwick was left with more questions than answers after Marcus Smith was granted little scope to show off his talents from full-back in Sunday's...