Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed the involvement of mercenaries from multiple countries in the ongoing conflict in the Vovchansk direction. According to Zelenskyy, these mercenaries include individuals from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and various African countries. The information was shared during a conversation with soldiers from the 17th separate motorized infantry battalion of the 37th brigade, which is named after Koshovy Ataman Kost Hordienko.
The presence of these mercenaries has raised questions about the international dimensions of the war. While the Ukrainian military has previously acknowledged the involvement of foreign fighters, the scale and diversity of the mercenaries reported by Zelenskyy suggest a more complex and widespread involvement in the conflict. This development adds another layer to the already contentious and multifaceted war in Ukraine.