**Ukraine’s President Claims Foreign Mercenaries Fighting Alongside Russia**
In a statement on August 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Russian forces fighting near the town of Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast include foreign mercenaries from several countries. According to frontline reports from Ukrainian soldiers, these mercenaries are from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and several African nations.
**Meeting with Frontline Troops**
During a visit to the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade, which is defending the Vovchansk sector, Zelensky met with commanders to discuss the battlefield situation, troop needs, and combat operations. The discussion also focused on recruitment issues and increasing access to drone technology, a critical factor in Ukraine’s ongoing defensive and reconnaissance efforts.
**Vovchansk: A Hotspot of Fighting**
Vovchansk has seen intense fighting since Russia launched a new ground offensive in Kharkiv Oblast in May 2024. The town is located just five kilometers from the Russian border, making it a key location for both sides. Zelensky’s statement comes as Ukraine continues to defend its territory against Russian aggression.
**Foreign Mercenaries on the Frontline**
This is not the first time that foreign mercenaries have been spotted fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine. In April, Zelensky claimed that several hundred Chinese nationals were taking part in the war on Russia’s side. One detainee reportedly paid a middleman 300,000 rubles to enlist in exchange for Russian citizenship.
**China and Russia: Denying Involvement**
Despite these claims, China has denied involvement in the war against Ukraine, claiming it urges its citizens to avoid armed conflicts. Moscow has also used North Korean troops to counter the Ukrainian incursion in Kursk Oblast.
**A Larger Picture of Foreign Fighters**
Multiple reports suggest that Russia is recruiting foreign nationals to participate in its full-scale war against Ukraine. An investigation by Russian independent outlet Important Stories identified over 1,500 foreign fighters from 48 countries who had joined Russia’s army. This raises questions about the role of these mercenaries and the implications for the conflict.
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