At the UN, Zelensky Reveals Russia’s Recruitment of Mercenaries from 47 Nations, Over 480 Africans Killed

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Address to the UN General Assembly

According to 5 канал: On September 24 in New York, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke at the United Nations General Assembly, exposing Russia’s recruitment of fighters from 47 different countries in its war against Ukraine. Among the nations he listed were:

• Ghana
• Nepal
• Tajikistan
• India
• Yemen
• Kenya
• Zimbabwe
• Cuba
• Belarus
• Sudan
• South Africa

Zelensky highlighted that many foreign nationals fighting on the battlefield are not Russian citizens and urged countries worldwide to prevent their citizens from being drawn into the conflict.

According to available data, Russia has enlisted at least 2,982 individuals from 37 African countries, with roughly 486 of them having died in combat. Currently, 35 prisoners of war from 17 African nations are held in Ukraine. The Ukrainian president emphasized the various tactics Russia employs to recruit mercenaries, including:

• Offering financial incentives
• Deceptive practices involving coerced contract signings without full awareness of the consequences
• Physical intimidation and pressure

“Drone footage from our forces shows people dying on the battlefield who are not Russian. These are individuals from your countries-47 nations-who ended up in Russia through deceit and trickery.”

Volodymyr Zelensky

The president called on governments to take a proactive stance in protecting their citizens: “Please, don’t be the last to stand up for life. Be the first to declare: ‘We guaranteed safety.’” This appeal underscores the critical importance of international unity in confronting aggression and safeguarding human rights amid the ongoing war.

Zelensky’s remarks at the UN spotlight both the extensive involvement of foreign nationals in the conflict and the urgent need for a global response to these issues. Russia’s use of foreign fighters generates severe humanitarian concerns and endangers individuals who may not fully understand the risks they face. His message serves as a prompt for the countries mentioned to strengthen efforts to shield their citizens and prevent their participation in armed conflicts abroad.

In light of Zelensky's alarming revelations, it is crucial to understand the broader implications of Russia's tactics in the conflict. The heavy losses faced by Russia and the involvement of mercenaries from numerous nations highlight the urgent need for international cooperation and a unified response to safeguard global security.