Ukrainian President Says Pakistan's Mercenaries To Uzbekistan Help Russia War

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian troops in northeastern Ukraine were battling foreign "mercenaries" from various countries including China, Pakistan, and parts of Africa. Zelenskyy promised Ukraine would immediately respond.

Zelenskyy previously accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese fighters for its war efforts against Ukraine. But this accusation was denied by Beijing, while North Korea also provided thousands of its own troops in Kursk, Russia.

"We spoke with the commanders about the frontline situation, the Vovchansk defense, and the dynamics of combat," Zelenskyy wrote on X after visiting the frontline area of the northeastern Kharkiv region.

"Our soldiers in this sector report the involvement of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in this war. We will respond," said the President of Ukraine.

Reuters contacted the Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan embassies in Kyiv for comment. But there has been no response.