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Cuban Joandi Depalaza Captured in Kupiansk: The Story of 'Nobody'

Затриманий у Куп'янську кубинець Жоанді Депалаза: невідома історія 'Ніхто'

Captured Cuban in Kupiansk

In Kupiansk, the 127th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade of Kharkiv captured Cuban Joandi Depalaza, who found himself in the war in Ukraine. Joandi, who had the call sign 'Nobody', did not sign a contract to participate in military actions. He arrived in Kupiansk in August 2025. During the evacuation, the Russian troops managed to escape, while Joandi remained with a Ukrainian soldier.

Joandi Depalaza had previously worked in Moscow for eight months, although his visa was only valid for three months. He noted that being an illegal in Moscow is not easy, as the police comb the city daily.

They say: 'Either give us money or we deport you or send you to war'
- he recounted.

Joandi's Concerns

In an interview, Joandi expressed concerns about his future:

I am sure that I will end up in prison for about 20 years because Cuba and Russia are friends. I have no future.
This situation highlights the difficulties faced by foreigners involved in the conflict in Ukraine and their status in wartime conditions.

This case illustrates not only Joandi's personal drama but also the general challenges that foreigners face in Ukraine during wartime. It is important to note that the involvement of foreigners in military conflicts can have serious legal consequences and raises issues of international relations. The emergence of such cases may impact how countries around the world perceive the situation in Ukraine and fairness towards individuals caught in similar circumstances.