Ukraine-Russia war latest: Mercenaries from China, Pakistan and Africa fighting for Moscow, claims Zelensky
Volodymyr Zelensky vowed a response after claiming that “mercenaries” from China, Pakistan and some Africa nations were fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
"We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defence of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles," the Ukrainian president said on X after visiting a frontline area in the northeastern Kharkiv region.
"Our warriors in this sector are reporting the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war. We will respond."
The Kremlin, meanwhile, urged caution about nuclear rhetoric after Donald Trump ordered a repositioning of US nuclear submarines.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov played down the significance of Mr Trump's announcement last Friday that he had ordered two submarines to be moved to "the appropriate regions".
"Of course, we believe that everyone should be very, very careful with nuclear rhetoric,” Mr Peskov said.