Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of using fighters from 47 countries to prosecute Moscow’s war against Ukraine,
naming India among the countries whose citizens had been caught up in the conflict. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Zelensky said Russia was using citizens from countries including Ghana, Nepal, India, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan and South Africa in the war. “We know that Russia uses citizens of 47 countries in its war,” Zelensky said. He directly addressed representatives of the 47 countries, saying: “You know what Russia is doing with your people. They're your citizens. Take care of them and do not let them end up on another front.” “Do not let Putin drag you into this war,” he added.
Zelensky Highlights North Korean Troops Fighting For Russia
Zelensky also highlighted Russia’s growing defence relationship with North Korea, saying two North Korean troops deployed to fight against Ukraine had been captured and sent to South Korea.
“Recently, we sent two North Korean prisoners of war to the Republic of Korea. These guys are not easy to capture alive,” he said.
The Ukrainian president also discussed Kyiv’s expanding cooperation on drone technology. He said Ukraine had signed a “serious drone deal” with Finland and a security agreement with Australia that also includes drones. Zelensky added that Kyiv was preparing a drone deal with Canada.
Zelensky further warned that Ukraine could target Russian heating and energy facilities during the winter in response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian heating and fuel infrastructure.
“Ukrainians understand that this winter could be very harsh for us, but in response we will have no choice but to make it painful for Russia too,” he said.
His comments came hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was pushing Russia and Ukraine to stop attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure.
Zelensky said Ukraine’s objective was not to destroy Russia’s gasoline and diesel supplies but to limit Moscow’s revenues that fund the war. “When someone gives Russia more money through trade, they give this war more time,” he said.
