Foreign Mercenaries Bolstering Russia’s Ukraine War Effort: Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a serious allegation, claiming that a significant number of foreign mercenaries are fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing conflict. His statement, made on August 5, 2025, points to a widening international involvement in the war.
Zelenskyy specifically named mercenaries from China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and several African nations. He did not, however, provide specific numbers or evidence to support his claims.
This assertion, if verified, would significantly alter the geopolitical landscape of the conflict. It suggests a far broader international support network for Russia than previously acknowledged.
The implications are profound. The presence of mercenaries from such diverse backgrounds raises concerns about the potential for escalating global tensions and the further destabilisation of the region. Independent verification of President Zelenskyy’s claims is crucial to fully understanding the evolving dynamics of the war.
