Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Zelenskyy Urges 47 Nations to Stop Russia’s Recruitment
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke at the United Nations about foreign people fighting for Russia.
He said Russia has used citizens from 47 countries, including India.
Zelenskyy alleged that some people were tricked into going to Russia and then sent to the battlefield.
India says 227 of its citizens joined the Russian armed forces.
India says 139 were discharged and 51 died.
Indian officials are discussing the return of people who remain there.
Zelenskyy asked countries to protect their citizens and reduce the money Russia gets to continue the war.
He also said North Korea sent troops and received advanced military technology from Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the UN that Russia uses citizens from 47 countries in its war against Ukraine.
He alleged that some foreign nationals were brought to Russia through deception and tricks before being sent to fight.
India’s Foreign Secretary said 227 Indian nationals joined Russia’s armed forces; 139 were discharged and 51 died.
Zelenskyy urged the affected countries to protect their citizens and restrict Russia’s trade, revenues, and ability to fund the war.
He also accused North Korea of sending troops to Russia in exchange for advanced ballistic-missile and drone capabilities.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia, India, the governments of 47 countries, and North Korea.
- What
- Zelenskyy accused Russia of recruiting foreign citizens for the war against Ukraine and urged affected countries to protect them and limit Russia’s war financing.
- When
- During Zelenskyy’s address to the General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, on a Wednesday; the articles provide conflicting or incomplete date references.
- Where
- The United Nations General Assembly in New York.
- Why
- Zelenskyy said foreign nationals were being brought to Russia through deception and sent to fight, while trade and revenue were helping Russia continue the war.
Zelenskyy’s allegations and demands
India’s stated response
Foreign recruitment
Zelenskyy’s allegations and demands
Zelenskyy said Russia uses citizens from 47 countries and alleged that some were brought to Russia through deception and tricks before being sent to fight.
India’s stated response
The articles do not provide a Russian response to Zelenskyy’s allegations; India has acknowledged that 227 of its nationals were recruited into Russia’s armed forces.
Protecting Indian nationals
Zelenskyy’s allegations and demands
Zelenskyy urged India and the other affected countries to protect their citizens and prevent them from being sent to the battlefield.
India’s stated response
India says it has repeatedly discussed the issue with Russia and is seeking the release and repatriation of remaining Indian nationals.
Pressure on Russia
Zelenskyy’s allegations and demands
Zelenskyy called for sanctions, reduced trade, and pressure on Russia’s revenues and production to limit its ability to continue the war.
India’s stated response
The articles report India’s position on its nationals but do not state an Indian government position on Zelenskyy’s broader call to restrict trade with Russia.
- Countries identified
- Zelenskyy named 47 countries, including India, Ghana, Nepal, Tajikistan, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan, and South Africa.
- Indian nationals recruited
- 227, according to figures cited by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
- Indian nationals discharged
- 139 have been discharged from the Russian armed forces.
- Indian nationals reported dead
- 51 have died, according to the figures cited by India.
- India-Russia discussions
- India says it is discussing the release and repatriation of remaining Indian nationals with Moscow.
- Zelenskyy’s economic appeal
- He urged countries to limit trade with Russia and target its revenues and production to reduce its ability to fund the war.
- North Korea allegation
- Zelenskyy alleged that North Korea sent troops to Russia while receiving improved ballistic-missile capabilities and drone technology.
Sources
Russia uses citizens of India, 46 other countries in its war against Ukraine: Zelenskyy tells UN
‘Don’t let Putin drag you into this war’: Zelenskyy warns India, 46 other nations at UN over Russia recruits
Don't let Putin drag you into this war: Zelenskyy to India, others
Zelenskyy Urges India, 47 Nations to Stop Russia Recruiting Citizens