The article cited a statement by Cuba's government, a Russia's ally. You can't find a more Russian's friendly source. Remember it's still an "special operation

The article cited a statement by Cuba's government, a Russia's ally. You can't find a more Russian's friendly source. Remember it's still an "special operation" (despite heavy cost, 500 days and going), resemblance of normalcy at home must be maintained. They used Wagner's fighters who are mercenaries. Use inmates. Use conscripts from remote areas or minority ethnics. They also try to recruit from Central Asia: https://thediplomat.com/2023/08/russian-military-recruitment-ads-reportedly-target-kazakhstan/ https://thediplomat.com/2023/08/russian-military-recruitment...