A Cuban immigrant was detained in the emblematic Red Square from Moscow after starring in a strange incident that ended with his confinement in a psychiatric hospital.
According to the Russian newspaper Moscow Komsomoletsthe man, whose identity was not revealed, claimed to be “the king of several countries” and demanded to meet personally with the president Vladimir Putin.
According to the information published by the aforementioned Russian media, the event occurred on October 16, when security agents patrolling the center of the capital noticed the presence of a man who was acting unusual near the Kremlin.
“The security forces patrolling the center of the capital detected the strange citizen. They approached the foreigner and tried to talk to him, but he responded in Spanish,” he says. Moscow Komsomolets.
Unable to communicate directly, the agents used an online translator to understand what the foreigner was saying.
That’s when The man assured that he was the “king of several countries,” and that his intention was to meet with the Russian president.
Given his erratic behavior and his mode of communication, the police decided to transfer him to a police station to identify him and, later, refer him to a psychiatric hospital, since – according to the authorities – his mental state suggested a diagnosis of psychological disorder.
Deportation history
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The case took an additional turn when agents discovered that the Cuban citizen had already been in trouble with Russian authorities.
In 2022 he had been prosecuted for working as a day laborer without a work permit, an administrative violation that led to a fine and a deportation order.
It is unknown how the man managed to return to Russia after his expulsion or if he entered irregularly.
Context: Cubans in Russia
Although the case seems isolated, it is framed in a context of growing Cuban presence in Russia.
Many of them arrive attracted by promises of employment, residence or naturalization, in a scenario marked by the economic crisis in Cuba and the limited migration options to the West.
There are no official statistics on the number of immigrants from the island in the Eurasian country.
Furthermore, various sources estimate that Up to 25,000 Cuban citizens could have enlisted in the Russian Army to participate in the war in Ukraine.
The episode that occurred in Red Square reveals a less visible dimension of Cuban migration: that of those who, outside of official or work flows, end up in situations of extreme vulnerability, far from their families and without consular support.
Frequently asked questions about the situation of Cubans in Russia
Why was the Cuban arrested in Moscow’s Red Square?
The Cuban was arrested for behaving erratically and proclaiming to be the “king of several countries”, demanding to meet with President Vladimir Putin. His behavior led authorities to refer him to a psychiatric hospital for an evaluation of his mental health.
What does this incident reveal about the situation of Cuban immigrants in Russia?
The incident reflects the vulnerability of some Cuban immigrants in Russia, who, in contexts of economic and social precariousness, can end up in extreme situations. The Cuban’s detention in Moscow highlights the lack of consular support and exposure to legal and mental health problems far from his home country.
How many Cubans have been deported from Russia recently?
In 2025, the deportation of at least 51 Cubans from different regions of Russia has been reported. The reasons include illegal work, staying without permission and failure to update their immigration status. These data reflect the tightening of Russian immigration policies towards Cubans.
How does Russia’s new immigration policy affect Cubans?
Russia’s new immigration policy requires Cubans to register electronically before traveling, which implies stricter control and the possibility of arrests and deportations if regulations are not followed. This change makes the situation even more difficult for Cubans seeking opportunities in Russia.
