Zelenskyy Says Russia Uses Citizens From 47 Countries in Ukraine War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged 47 countries to prevent Russia from recruiting their citizens for its war against Ukraine, accusing Moscow of using “deception and tricks” to draw foreign nationals into the conflict.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had identified nationals from countries including Ghana, Nepal, Tajikistan, India, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan and South Africa fighting alongside Russian forces.
“We know that Russia uses citizens of 47 countries in its war,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine had captured foreign nationals as prisoners of war and had received requests from some governments seeking their return.
He appealed directly to the countries involved to protect their citizens and prevent further recruitment.
“Do not let Putin drag you into this war,” Zelenskyy said, urging governments to “limit his room to act, limit his money, limit his war.”
India has separately acknowledged that its nationals have been recruited into the Russian armed forces. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said earlier this month that 227 Indian citizens had been recruited, with 139 discharged and 51 reported dead. New Delhi has been pressing Moscow for the release and repatriation of those still serving.
Zelenskyy did not provide a country-by-country breakdown of the 47 nationals in his UN address. His claims come amid broader reports and allegations of foreign recruitment by Russia, including deceptive recruitment networks targeting nationals from Africa and Asia.
