Zelenskyy Says Russia Uses Indians in Ukraine War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told the United Nations General Assembly that Russia is using citizens from 47 countries, including India, in its war against Ukraine. He urged governments to prevent their nationals from being drawn into the conflict through recruitment he alleged often involved deception.
Zelenskyy Names India Among 47 Countries
Addressing the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, Zelenskyy named India alongside Ghana, Nepal, Tajikistan, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan and South Africa among countries whose citizens have served with Russian forces.
He claimed that some foreign nationals reached Russia through deceptive recruitment practices before eventually finding themselves on the battlefield.
Zelenskyy urged representatives of the countries concerned to protect their citizens and prevent further recruitment.
51 Indians Have Died Serving With Russian Forces
India has previously confirmed that 227 Indian nationals were recruited into the Russian armed forces.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in August that 139 of them had been discharged, while 51 had died. New Delhi has remained in discussions with Moscow seeking the discharge and repatriation of the remaining Indian nationals.
Indian authorities have also repeatedly warned citizens against accepting job offers that could result in recruitment for military service in Russia.
Zelenskyy Calls for Greater Pressure on Russia
Zelenskyy used his UN address to call for stronger international pressure on Moscow, particularly measures aimed at reducing Russia’s ability to finance the war.
He argued that trade revenues enable Russia to sustain military operations and urged countries to restrict economic activities that contribute to Moscow’s war financing.
The Ukrainian leader also warned that the approaching winter could bring another escalation in attacks on critical energy infrastructure.
