Whilst the Cuban population in Russia shares cultural and historical background with the well-researched US Cuban community, crucial contrasts permit the exploration of the role of several external factors (e.g. lack of contact with monolingual speakers, community size) on patterns of language use and identity. Using quantitative survey methods and qualitative sociolinguistic interviews, this inquiry explores language use and language identity in the Cuban community in Russia, covering both first and second-generation speakers. In contrast with the US Cuban community, results display a shift towards the dominant language (Russian). Considering language and identity, results demonstrate the evolution of a dual identity, especially among the second-generation speakers. The contribution of external factors on patterns of language use and identity is debated.