Zelensky Pays a Visit to Troops Stationed Near the Eastern Front in Ukraine's Northeast Region - Zelensky pays a visit to troops stationed near the eastern battlefront in Ukraine
In a recent visit to troops near the front in northeastern Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the ongoing conflict and its international dimensions.
Zelensky confirmed credible reports and statements, including his own, that mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries are fighting alongside Russia in the Ukraine conflict. These groups have been specifically mentioned in reference to fighting in the northeastern region of Ukraine.
One of the key details emerging from Zelensky's visit is the presence of Chinese mercenaries. The Ukrainian President acknowledged the presence of many Chinese nationals fighting with Russian forces, particularly in the Kharkiv sector. Ukrainian sources have documented at least 163 Chinese fighters involved since April 2025. Videos of captured Chinese mercenaries have been published by Ukrainian troops, suggesting this is not merely propaganda.
Zelensky also cited mercenaries from Central Asian countries (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan), Pakistan, and various African countries as combatants on Russia’s side.
While no official regular Chinese military units are reported in the conflict, evidence points to tacit allowance or indirect encouragement by Chinese authorities, especially through Russian recruitment efforts on Chinese social media platforms.
These reports are primarily sourced from Ukrainian government statements and intelligence, reinforced by open-source videos and investigative accounts. Russia and China officially deny sending formal troops but have not denied the participation of their nationals as mercenaries.
During his visit, Zelensky also discussed the use of drones in the defensive war against Russia and promised a response to the presence of mercenaries from various countries on Russia's side. The troops reported that mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries are fighting on Russia's side.
As of mid-2025, Zelensky’s claims about mercenaries from these countries fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine are supported by multiple Ukrainian intelligence reports and media sources. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, during his visit to troops near the front in northeastern Ukraine, discussed the involvement of Chinese mercenaries in the ongoing war-and-conflicts, specifically in the Kharkiv sector. The Ukrainian President also acknowledged the presence of mercenaries from Central Asian countries (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan), Pakistan, and various African nations, fighting on Russia’s side.
