What happened
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that "many Cubans" were killed during an operation in Venezuela. He added that there were no U.S. casualties, but did not give a precise figure.
"You know, yesterday many Cubans were killed... On our side there were no casualties, but on the other side, unfortunately, there were many deaths. Many Cubans were killed trying to protect him (Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro)."
— Donald Trump, President of the United States
Cuba’s Foreign Ministry reported the deaths of 32 members of the military and intelligence services and declared two days of national mourning. The government statement describes the dead as those who "fulfilled their duty" during fierce resistance.
"Faithful to their duties related to guaranteeing security and protection, our compatriots with dignity and heroism fulfilled their duty and fell after fierce resistance in direct clashes with the attackers or as a result of bombings."
— Government of Cuba
Sources and discrepancies in the numbers
There are discrepancies between sources: The New York Times reports at least 40 dead, while Havana speaks of 32. Trump himself acknowledged uncertainty in the counts — a key point when assessing the event.
Alongside reports of casualties, claims have emerged that Nicolás Maduro was allegedly captured and taken to the United States — these reports require additional verification. Analysts emphasize that in a chronically tense region, operational reports are often mixed with unverified information.
Why it matters
The incident has several layers of significance. First, it raises regional stability issues: a military operation with fatalities on Venezuelan territory or beyond increases the risk of escalation in Latin America. Second, it raises questions of legitimacy and control — who is responsible for operations outside a jurisdiction and how transparently results are reported.
For Ukraine, what matters is not an emotional reaction but a practical lesson: allies sometimes act decisively and unpredictably, so informational clarity and preparedness for different scenarios are strategic components of security. We should closely monitor how this will affect international coalitions, special-operations practices, and the political responses of partners.
Summary: for now we have fragments of the picture — official statements, journalistic tallies, and operational claims that require verification. Whether these reports will turn into transparent reporting and diplomatic consequences, or generate new risks of escalation, will depend on further fact confirmation and the international community’s response.
