Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged 47 countries to prevent Russia from recruiting their citizens to fight in its war against Ukraine.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had identified foreign nationals from several countries fighting alongside Russian forces.
“We have more than just North Korean POWs. We know that Russia uses citizens of 47 countries in its war.”
He named countries among whose citizens, he said, had ended up fighting in the war. “In this war, Ghana, Nepal, Tajikistan, India, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan, South Africa, many, many others.”
Zelenskyy said Ukraine had received requests from some countries seeking the return of their citizens captured as prisoners of war.
“And from time to time we receive requests to send particular POWs back home.”
He also said Ukraine had seen foreign nationals killed on the battlefield through videos from its surveillance and military operations. “And through the videos from our tour, we also see people dying on the battlefield who are not Russians, people from your countries, 47 countries, who ended up in Russia through deception and treason.”
Zelenskyy directly addressed representatives of the countries whose citizens he said were being used by Russia. “So I want to speak directly to every representative of these 47 countries. You know what Russia is doing with your citizens. Take care of them.”
He urged the countries to prevent their citizens from being sent to other battlefronts and warned them against becoming involved in the war.
“Do not let them end up on another front. Do not let Putin drag you into this war.”
Zelenskyy also called on the countries to restrict Russia’s ability to finance and continue the war.
“Do not let Russia put out its fire, cover up its shame, and pay for its madness with the lives of your people.Limit his room to act. Limit his money. Limit his war.”
He said countries should take action to protect their citizens rather than wait until they become further involved in the conflict. “And please, everyone here, do not be the last to join those who defend life. Be the first to say, we guarantee security.”
Zelenskyy ended by thanking countries and individuals supporting Ukraine. “Thank you, everyone who helps. And thank you to everyone who stands with us, with our people, with our children, with Ukraine.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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