Ukraine shuts Havana embassy over Cuba's alleged recruitment for Russia.
On October 29, 2025, Ukraine announced the closure of its embassy in Havana, downgrading diplomatic relations with Cuba due to allegations of Cuban complicity in recruiting fighters for Russia in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials claim that thousands of Cubans are actively engaged in combat for Russian forces, marking this group as the largest foreign contingent in the conflict. In a diplomatic shift, Ukraine also voted against a UN resolution supporting the lifting of the U.S. embargo on Cuba, citing Havana’s military ties with Moscow. This incident highlights the growing polarization in global alliances, indicating potential repercussions for international norms and security, a development that India is closely monitoring given its own strategic interests in Eurasia.
