KYIV,— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that foreign mercenaries are participating in combat alongside Russian forces in northeastern Ukraine, including fighters from China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and several African nations.
The comments came after Zelensky visited a front-line position near Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region, where Ukrainian troops are facing heavy fighting.
“We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defense of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles,” Zelensky posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Our warriors in this sector are reporting the presence of mercenaries from various countries. We will respond.”
Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of deploying foreign nationals to support its military campaign.
According to Ukrainian authorities, North Korea sent approximately 11,000 troops to Russia’s Kursk region in October 2024. The deployment is believed to have bolstered Russian troop numbers already active in the area. Ukrainian reports in December 2024 indicated that North Korean forces had suffered casualties.
China has denied accusations that its citizens are involved in the fighting. However, Kyiv continues to claim the presence of Chinese nationals among the mercenaries engaged in combat on the Russian side.
Additional reports point to the involvement of Chechen fighters and individuals from Yemen operating with Russian units.
The war in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, when Russian forces invaded the country. The conflict has caused prolonged instability across Eastern Europe and disrupted the region’s post-Cold War security framework.
(With files from Reuters)
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