Are 'Mercenaries' from Pakistan and China Fighting for Russia?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ukrainian President Zelensky claims mercenaries from several countries are fighting for Russia.
- Soldiers in Vovchansk reported the presence of foreign fighters.
- 143 combat engagements were recorded on August 5.
- Russian forces conducted extensive airstrikes and missile attacks.
- Ukrainian forces continue to respond to these actions.
Kyiv, Aug 6 (NationPress) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that mercenaries from China and Pakistan, along with individuals from several other countries, are fighting alongside Russian troops in the ongoing conflict.
Zelensky's comments followed a meeting with Ukrainian troops engaged in combat in the Vovchansk area.
He shared that soldiers in this region reported the involvement of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, as well as some African nations in the warfare and pledged to take action against them.
In a post on X on Monday, Zelensky remarked, "Today, I was with those defending our country in the Vovchansk area -- the warriors of the 17th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion of the 57th Brigade named after Kish Otaman Kost Hordiienko."
"We discussed the frontline situation, the defense of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles... Our warriors in this sector are reporting the involvement of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and several African nations in the conflict. We will respond," he noted.
He expressed appreciation to the Ukrainian soldiers for their commitment to the nation and awarded them state honors.
Meanwhile, a total of 143 combat engagements were reported between Russian and Ukrainian forces on the frontlines on August 5, with the most intense fighting occurring in the Pokrovsk sector, as reported by local media outlet Ukrinform.
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces issued an operational update as of 8 a.m. on August 6, the report indicated.
According to the statement from the General Staff, Russian forces executed two missile strikes and 107 airstrikes, deploying two missiles and 147 guided bombs against Ukrainian forces and civilian areas.
In retaliation to Russia's assaults, Ukrainian aircraft, missile units, and artillery targeted 14 Russian positions, which included two artillery systems, eight areas of enemy troop concentrations, and four command posts.