Rep. María Elvira Salazar, U.S. Representative for Florida’s 27th congressional district, posted a series of updates on September 18, 2025, regarding her recent activities related to foreign affairs and legislative priorities.
In an English-language post from September 18, Salazar stated: “Today I joined my colleagues @MarioDB and @RepCarlos for a very important press conference on the Cuban troops fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence confirmed to us that thousands of young Cubans are being forced to fight for Russia.”
Later the same day, she reiterated her message in Spanish: “Hoy, junto a mis colegas @MarioDB y @RepCarlos , participé en una videoconferencia sobre las tropas cubanas enviadas a pelear por Rusia en la guerra contra Ucrania. Según miembros de inteligencia ucranianos, miles de jóvenes cubanos están siendo obligados a luchar por Rusia.” Both posts referenced reports from Ukrainian intelligence about the alleged forced recruitment of Cuban youth by Russian forces during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In another update on September 18, Salazar reported developments in legislative matters before the House Foreign Affairs Committee: “Proud to report progress on my legislative priorities in tonight’s House Foreign Affairs Committee: Protect Honduran Democracy Act – Ensures U.S. monitoring of Honduras’ Nov. 30 elections to prevent fraud by the Zelayas. Restoring Sovereignty & Human Rights in Nicaragua”. The Protect Honduran Democracy Act is intended to support oversight of Honduras’ upcoming elections and address concerns about potential electoral fraud associated with former President Manuel Zelaya and his affiliates.
The involvement of Cuban nationals reportedly fighting alongside Russian forces has drawn international attention since mid-2023, when various media outlets and governments raised concerns about human trafficking networks recruiting or coercing Cubans into military service abroad. Reports indicate that both voluntary enlistment and forced participation have occurred as part of broader geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Salazar has been an outspoken advocate on issues concerning Latin America and U.S. foreign policy responses to authoritarian regimes in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Her recent statements align with ongoing Congressional efforts to monitor democratic processes and human rights conditions across the region.
