Ukrainian president alleges fighters from China, Pakistan, Central Asia, and Africa have joined Russian forces, as Kremlin warns against nuclear rhetoric
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of deploying foreign mercenaries from China, Pakistan, Central Asia, and various African nations to fight alongside its forces in Ukraine. His statement comes following a visit to the frontline in the northeastern Kharkiv region, where he met with Ukrainian commanders.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky shared insights from his visit:
“We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defence of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles. 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.”
The Ukrainian leader did not specify how Kyiv plans to retaliate but emphasized the seriousness of these reports.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin urged restraint amid heightened nuclear rhetoric following an announcement by Donald Trump. The former U.S. president claimed last Friday that he had ordered two American nuclear submarines to be repositioned in “appropriate regions.”
Responding to the claim, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attempted to downplay the news:
“It is obvious that American submarines are already on combat duty. This is an ongoing process… Of course, we believe that everyone should be very, very careful with nuclear rhetoric.”
As tensions remain high on the battlefield and in global diplomacy, Zelensky’s allegations raise concerns over further internationalization of the conflict.