Ukrainian President Zelensky said on the 4th that troops in northeastern Ukraine are fighting against foreign "mercenaries" from multiple countries, including China, Pakistan, and parts of Africa, and vowed to respond.
According to a Reuters report, Zelensky had previously accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese fighters to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war, but Beijing denied the accusation. Meanwhile, North Korea has also sent thousands of soldiers to Russia's Kursk region.
After inspecting the front-line areas in the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine, Zelensky wrote on X: "We discussed with the commanders the situation on the front line, the defense of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battle."
He mentioned: "Our soldiers in this defense sector reported that mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries are involved in this war. We will respond accordingly."
Russia has not yet issued any public comment on Zelensky's remarks.