Zelensky says ‘mercenaries’ from China, Pakistan and other countries fighting for Russia
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (centre) visiting the front line at an undisclosed location in the Kharkiv region.
PHOTO: AFP
Follow topic:
KYIV – President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug 4 that Ukrainian troops in north-eastern Ukraine were fighting foreign “mercenaries” from various countries, including China, Pakistan and parts of Africa, and vowed a response.
Mr Zelensky has previously accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese fighters for its war effort against Ukraine, charges Beijing denied, while North Korea has also provided thousands of its own troops in Russia’s Kursk region.
“We spoke with commanders about the front-line situation, the defence of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles,” Mr Zelensky wrote on X after visiting a front-line area in the north-eastern Kharkiv region.
“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.”
Reuters contacted the embassies of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan in Kyiv to request comment.
Russia did not immediately comment publicly on Mr Zelensky’s comments. REUTERS
