United Nations, September 24: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told the UN General Assembly that Russia is using citizens of India and 46 other countries in its war against Ukraine, urging governments to prevent their nationals from being recruited into the conflict.
Addressing the General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had received prisoners of war from several countries and alleged that Russia was recruiting foreign nationals through deception and other means.
“We know that Russia uses citizens of 47 countries in its war,” Zelenskyy said, naming India, Nepal, Ghana, Tajikistan, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan and South Africa among the countries whose citizens he said were involved.
He also said foreign nationals were being killed, wounded, reported missing or captured while fighting for Russia. Zelenskyy appealed to governments to protect their citizens and prevent them from being drawn further into the conflict.
The issue of Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces has previously been raised by the Indian government. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said earlier this month that India had information on 227 Indian nationals who had been recruited into the Russian army. Of these, 139 had been discharged, while 51 had died, according to the figures cited by Misri.
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has also raised concerns over the recruitment of foreign nationals by Russia. In a September 21 update, the commission said some foreign recruits had died, gone missing, been injured or captured after reaching the front lines.
In his UN address, Zelenskyy also called on countries to restrict trade with Russia, arguing that revenue from international trade contributes to Moscow’s ability to sustain the war.
He urged countries to maintain sanctions and other measures aimed at limiting Russia’s financial resources, while calling for continued international support for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy also criticised the use of the UN Security Council veto, arguing that it can obstruct diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
