Zelenskyy Says 'Mercenaries From China, Pakistan' Fighting For Russia, Islamabad Reacts

Last Updated:August 05, 2025, 10:56 IST

Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed foreign mercenaries from China, Pakistan, and African nations are fighting alongside Russian forces. Pakistan dismissed the allegation as "baseless".

A file photo of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday said that the troops of his country were fighting foreign “mercenaries" from various nations, including China, Pakistan and parts of Africa, and vowed a response. However, Pakistan rejected the claims as “baseless".

In an X post, Zelenskyy mentioned that he met the troops of his nation and spoke to the commanders about the frontline situation.

Zelenskyy also mentioned that he addressed the issues of drone supply and deployment, recruitment, and direct funding for the brigades, and that his troops reported the involvement of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries.

The Ukrainian President mentioned that his country will respond.

“Today, I was with those defending our country in the Vovchansk direction – the warriors of the 17th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion of the 57th Brigade named after Kish Otaman Kost Hordiienko," he wrote in an X post.

“We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defense of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles. We also specifically addressed the issues of drone supply and deployment, recruitment, and direct funding for the brigades," he added.

“Our warriors in this sector are reporting the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war. We will respond," Zelenskyy wrote.

“I presented our defenders with state awards. It is an honor for me to be here," he mentioned.

Meanwhile, Islamabad, in an official statement, rejected the statement by Zelenskyy, calling it “baseless".

“To date, Pakistan has not been formally approached by the Ukrainian authorities, nor has any verifiable evidence been presented to substantiate such claims," Pakistan said.

Zelenskiy had previously accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese fighters for its war effort against Ukraine, charges Beijing denied, while North Korea has also provided thousands of its own troops in Russia’s Kursk region.

News world Zelenskyy Says 'Mercenaries From China, Pakistan' Fighting For Russia, Islamabad Reacts

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