Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says foreign mercenaries fighting in northeast

Published 04/08/2025, 16:44
Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says foreign mercenaries fighting in northeast

Investing.com -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday that foreign "mercenaries" from China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and parts of Africa are fighting alongside Russian forces in northeastern Ukraine.

Zelenskiy made the statement on X after visiting frontline positions in the Kharkiv region, where he met with commanders to discuss the defense of Vovchansk and ongoing battle dynamics.

"Our warriors in this sector are reporting the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war. We will respond," Zelenskiy wrote.

This is not the first time Ukraine has made such claims. Zelenskiy previously accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese fighters, allegations that Beijing has denied. North Korea has also reportedly provided thousands of troops to support Russian operations in the Kursk region.

The embassies of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan in Kyiv were contacted for comment on these allegations.

Russia has not yet publicly responded to Zelenskiy’s latest claims about foreign fighters participating in combat operations in northeastern Ukraine.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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