Overview

• During an August 4 visit to the Kharkiv front, Zelensky said Ukrainian fighters reported facing mercenaries from China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and several African countries.
• Earlier this year, he alleged that Russia deployed over 150 Chinese nationals near frontlines and captured two fighters in the Donetsk region.
• The Government of Pakistan issued an official statement on August 5 calling the allegations baseless and asserting that no Pakistani nationals are involved.
• International media, including Al Jazeera, report no independent confirmation of the alleged foreign fighters embedded with Russian forces.
• Zelensky vowed to respond accordingly and discussed defense strategy, drone supplies and troop morale with front-line commanders.