Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Zelensky Accuses Russia of Using Citizens From 47 Nations
Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, spoke at the United Nations about the war with Russia.
He said Russia is using people from 47 countries in the conflict.
He named countries including India, Nepal and Ghana.
Zelenskyy asked those countries to stop Russia from bringing more of their citizens into the war.
He also said Russia is working closely with North Korea.
Ukraine captured two North Korean soldiers and sent them to South Korea, according to Zelenskyy.
Ukraine is making new agreements with Finland, Australia and Canada about drones and security.
Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine might attack Russian energy facilities if Russia attacks Ukraine's energy system during winter.
He also called for limits on trade that helps Russia earn money for the war.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the United Nations that Russia is using citizens from 47 countries in its war against Ukraine.
He named India, Nepal, Ghana, Tajikistan, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan and South Africa among the countries involved.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine had sent two captured North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.
Ukraine signed drone-related agreements with Finland and Australia and is preparing another with Canada.
Zelenskyy warned Ukraine could strike Russian heating and energy facilities if Russia attacks Ukrainian infrastructure this winter.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia, citizens of 47 countries, and North Korean personnel were central to the remarks.
- What
- Zelenskyy accused Russia of using foreign citizens in the war and discussed North Korean support, drone partnerships and possible energy retaliation.
- When
- The remarks were made on Wednesday, September 24, 2026, during the United Nations General Assembly.
- Where
- At the United Nations headquarters in New York.
- Why
- Zelenskyy urged governments to prevent Russia from recruiting more citizens, warned of retaliation against Russian energy infrastructure, and called for restrictions on trade that funds the war.
Ukraine's Retaliation and Pressure
Diplomatic Restraint and Counterposition
Attacks on energy infrastructure
Ukraine's Retaliation and Pressure
Zelenskyy said Ukraine could make Russia pay by targeting Russian heating and energy facilities if Russian attacks damage Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Diplomatic Restraint and Counterposition
Marco Rubio said the United States was pushing Russia and Ukraine toward an arrangement to stop attacks on each other's energy infrastructure.
Foreign citizens in Russia's war effort
Ukraine's Retaliation and Pressure
Zelenskyy said Russia is using citizens from 47 countries, sometimes after deception, and urged their governments to stop further recruitment.
Diplomatic Restraint and Counterposition
The articles do not provide a response from Russia to Zelenskyy's accusation.
Trade and war financing
Ukraine's Retaliation and Pressure
Zelenskyy called for restrictions on trade that provides Russia with revenue to continue the war.
Diplomatic Restraint and Counterposition
The articles do not report a counterargument from Russia or other governments to his trade proposal.
- Countries cited
- Zelenskyy said Russia is using citizens from 47 countries, including India, Nepal, Ghana, Tajikistan, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan and South Africa.
- North Korean prisoners
- Zelenskyy said Ukraine captured two North Korean prisoners of war and sent them to South Korea.
- Finland agreement
- Ukraine signed a drone agreement with Finland.
- Australia agreement
- Ukraine signed a security agreement with Australia that includes drones.
- Canada agreement
- Ukraine is preparing a separate drone agreement with Canada.
- Winter warning
- Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine could strike Russian heating and energy facilities in response to attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
- U.S. diplomatic effort
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was working toward an understanding to stop Russia and Ukraine from attacking each other's energy infrastructure.
