Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged India and 46 other countries to protect their citizens from being drawn into the Russia-Ukraine war. Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Zelenskyy alleged that Russia was using nationals from 47 countries in the conflict, including India, Ghana, Nepal, Tajikistan, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus and South Africa.
Zelenskyy claimed that some foreign nationals had reached Russia through what he described as “deception and tricks” and said people from these countries were subsequently dying on the battlefield. He directly appealed to governments to protect their citizens and prevent them from being sent to the front.
India has previously raised the issue of its citizens serving in the Russian armed forces. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said earlier this month that India had information on 227 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian army; 139 had been discharged and 51 had died, according to figures cited by Indian officials.
Zelenskyy also called for tighter economic pressure on Moscow, arguing that limiting Russia’s revenues and trade would reduce its ability to sustain the war. His remarks come as Ukraine continues diplomatic efforts to secure international support and address the involvement of foreign nationals in the conflict.
