Video: Zelensky accuses Russia of recruiting citizens from 47 countries for war in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Abdullateef Fowewe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to accuse Russia of drawing citizens from 47 countries into its war against Ukraine, often through deception, and urged those nations to protect their people.
“We know that Russia uses citizens of 47 countries in its war in Ukraine — Ghana, Nepal, Tajikistan, India, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan, South Africa, and many, many others,” Zelenskyy said.
Speaking directly to representatives of those countries, he continued, “You know what Russia is doing with your people. They’re your citizens. Take care of them and do not let them end up on another front. Do not let Putin drag you into this war. Do not let Russia put out its fires, cover up its shame, and pay for its madness with the lives of your people.”
Zelenskyy claimed many of the foreign nationals ended up fighting after being lured by false promises of civilian jobs or other opportunities.
Ukraine has previously reported capturing prisoners of war from multiple non-Russian nationalities and documenting deaths of foreign fighters on the battlefield.
He also referenced North Korean troops supporting Russian forces.
The remarks come as both sides in the conflict have relied on foreign personnel.
Ukrainian intelligence estimates that Russia has recruited more than 28,000 foreign nationals from over 130 countries since the full-scale invasion began, in addition to thousands of North Korean troops.
Separate figures indicate Ukraine fields roughly 16,000 foreign volunteers from more than 70 countries.
Russia has not issued an immediate detailed response to the specific claims in Zelenskyy’s speech.
The war, now in its fifth year, continues to exact a heavy toll on manpower for both Moscow and Kyiv.
