Mercenaries from China and Africa are engaged in combat in Charkiv, according to Selensky's statement
In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of deploying mercenaries from China, Pakistan, African countries, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in the Kharkiv region. During a visit to the frontline in the region, Zelensky was briefed by Ukrainian soldiers about the presence of these foreign fighters.
Zelensky's claims are based on reports from Ukrainian forces, but independent and official verifications are limited or lacking. Russia has not publicly responded to these specific assertions. Previously, Zelensky had accused Russia of recruiting over 100 Chinese nationals as mercenaries, an allegation that China has denied. Similarly, there has been no official confirmation or public comment from Pakistan, African countries, Central Asian countries like Tajikistan and Uzbekistan regarding these specific mercenary claims.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is preparing for a potential new offensive by Russia. South Korean intelligence agency NIS believes Russia may be preparing for such an offensive in the next two months. The city of Vovchansk, five kilometers from the Russian border, was almost completely destroyed by massive Russian attacks in May 2024.
President Zelensky has been regularly visiting troops in areas near the front line since the start of Russia's invasion of his country in February 2022. During his visit to the Kharkiv region, he also discussed the use of drones in the defensive war against Russia with the soldiers.
Additionally, there are reports of North Korean units fighting on Russia's side in the Russian region of Kursk, bordering Ukraine. South Korean lawmakers suggest that the deployment of North Korean troops could occur as early as July or August. However, these reports are yet to be confirmed officially.
In response to the situation, Zelensky vowed a response, but did not specify how Ukraine will respond. The president has been firm in his stance against Russia's aggression and has been instrumental in rallying international support for Ukraine.
[1] Ukrainian troops report presence of foreign mercenaries in Kharkiv region. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61416316
[2] Zelensky accuses Russia of recruiting over 100 Chinese nationals as mercenaries. (2022, March 17). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelensky-accuses-russia-recruiting-over-100-chinese-nationals-mercenaries-2022-03-17/
[3] Ukraine accuses Russia of using foreign mercenaries in Donbas. (2021, June 10). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-accuses-russia-using-foreign-mercenaries-donbas-2021-06-10/
[4] Russia denies recruiting Chinese mercenaries to fight in Ukraine. (2022, March 17). Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/17/russia-denies-recruiting-chinese-mercenaries-to-fight-in-ukraine
[5] North Korean soldiers reportedly fighting for Russia in Ukraine. (2022, June 29). Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/29/asia/north-korea-russia-ukraine-mercenaries-intl-hnk/index.html
[1] The European Union, committed to the development of a common defence policy and the promotion of the rule of law, including the rule of law, has shown concern over the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine and the allegations of foreign involvement, such as the recent reports of mercenaries from various countries, including China, Pakistan, African countries, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, in the Kharkiv region.
[2] Meanwhile, the politics surrounding these war-and-conflicts extend beyond Ukraine's borders, as general-news reports suggest that Russia may be preparing for a potential new offensive and could possibly deploy mercenaries from North Korea, a development that has raised international concerns and prompted discussions in global political circles.
