Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of enlisting foreign fighters from 47 different countries to bolster its military efforts in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Speaking at the United Nations, Zelensky highlighted that individuals from nations such as Ghana, Nepal, and India have been involved in the fighting, underscoring Moscow’s reliance on international recruits.
Among the foreign fighters, Zelensky noted that two North Korean soldiers captured while fighting for Russia have been transferred to South Korea. This revelation comes amid growing concerns over Russia’s expanding military collaboration with North Korea, which Zelensky warns could lead to further recruitment and resource acquisition by Moscow.
In response to these developments, Ukraine is advancing its own military capabilities, particularly in drone technology. Zelensky announced that Kyiv has finalized agreements related to drones with Finland and Australia and is in the process of securing a similar arrangement with Canada, aiming to strengthen its defense infrastructure.
Amidst ongoing hostilities, Zelensky issued a warning regarding potential Ukrainian strikes on Russian heating and energy facilities, should attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure persist into the winter. This statement follows calls from the United States urging both Russia and Ukraine to avoid targeting each other’s energy systems.
Zelensky clarified that any Ukrainian actions against Russian energy sites are intended to diminish Moscow’s war revenues, rather than impact civilian fuel supplies, as tensions continue to escalate in the region.