Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alleged Monday that Russian forces fighting in Kharkiv included foreign mercenaries from multiple countries, including China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and several African nations. Zelensky made the accusation during a visit to frontline units, where he claimed Ukrainian troops had encountered non-Russian fighters on the battlefield.
Zelensky’s remarks follow months of reports that Russia is struggling to replenish its fighting forces after heavy battlefield losses. The Ukrainian government claims over 267,000 Russian troops have been killed since January alone, prompting Moscow to bolster its ranks with foreign nationals. Among those reportedly deployed are North Korean soldiers, previously confirmed by both Ukrainian and North Korean officials.
In response to the new allegations, Pakistan denied any involvement and called the claims “baseless.” The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said it would launch an internal investigation but reaffirmed the country’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the war. China, previously accused of having its nationals captured on the frontlines, has yet to respond to Zelensky’s most recent statement.
According to Ukrainian officials, many of the foreign fighters are allegedly recruited under false pretenses, with some promised civilian jobs before being forced into combat. Similar claims have emerged involving Indian and Cuban nationals. In several documented cases, foreign fighters posted pro-Russian content online, affirming their presence in the conflict zones.
Zelensky’s office indicated that intelligence from commanders on the ground confirmed the presence of non-Russian fighters. He vowed that Ukraine would take action and adjust its defense strategies accordingly. Ukrainian military units operating in Kharkiv have also begun tracking battlefield performance and rewarding soldiers based on confirmed enemy kills and destroyed equipment.
The Ukrainian military estimates tens of thousands of foreign nationals may be serving in Russia’s war effort. As the conflict drags on into its third year, Kyiv warns that Russia’s recruitment of outside forces signals desperation and a potential escalation in tactics.
