Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The Ukrainian President promises that Ukraine “will respond”.
The Ukrainian President promises that Ukraine “will respond”.
What is happening?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on Monday that Russian forces are being bolstered by foreign mercenaries from multiple countries—including China, Pakistan, and several African nations.
New revelations and renewed allegations
Zelensky has previously accused Moscow of enlisting Chinese nationals to fight in Ukraine, an allegation Beijing has repeatedly denied.
According to Reuters, Monday’s statement also included new claims that mercenaries from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have joined Russian forces in northeastern Ukraine.
Not just mercenaries
Beyond private fighters, Ukraine alleges that North Korea has sent thousands of its own soldiers to support Russian positions in the Kursk region.
Pyongyang has not publicly acknowledged these claims, and Russia has remained silent on the matter.
Zelensky issues rallying call at Kharkiv frontline
The Ukrainian president made a surprise visit to the embattled Kharkiv region, where he met with front-line commanders to assess the situation.
He emphasized the ongoing defense of the city of Vovchansk and discussed Ukraine’s evolving battlefield strategy.
“We will respond”
Following his visit, Zelensky posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Ukrainian troops had encountered foreign fighters in the northeast.
“We will respond,” he warned, pledging consequences for those supporting Russia’s war effort.
Russia stays silent
Reuters reached out to the embassies of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan in Kyiv for comment, but no responses have been reported.
Kremlin has yet to issue an official statement regarding the presence of alleged foreign fighters.
Foreign fighters on both sides
The conflict continues to draw foreign participants. Ukraine has its own “International Legion,” which was formed shortly after the Russian invasion began in 2022.
Soldiers from various nations have joined both sides in a war marked by high casualties and slow territorial gains.
Ukraine honors troops and discusses drone warfare
During his frontline meeting, Zelensky addressed logistical concerns including the supply of drones and the rotation of new troops.
He also awarded honors to several soldiers for their bravery on the Kharkiv front.
Russia launches overnight missile barrage
Russia carried out another wave of drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian targets overnight.
One of the attacks involved a Kinzhal hypersonic missile aimed at the Starokostiantyniv air base in Ukraine’s western Khmelnytskyi region.
Ukraine strikes back in Crimea
In retaliation, Ukrainian forces launched a drone strike on Russia’s Saky air base in Crimea.
According to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), the attack destroyed at least two warplanes—a Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet and a Sukhoi Su-24 fighter-bomber.
