Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of using citizens from 47 countries in its war against Ukraine, naming India, Ghana, Nepal and several other nations during an address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2026. Zelensky also focused on foreign recruitment, North Korea, expanding drone partnerships, possible winter attacks and efforts to reduce Russian war revenue.
Recruitment raises concerns over foreign fighters
Zelensky told UN delegates that Russia uses foreign fighters from dozens of countries and claimed some had arrived in Russia through deception or misleading recruitment practices. He named Ghana, Nepal, Tajikistan, India, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan and South Africa among the countries whose citizens have become involved in the conflict.
He urged governments to protect their nationals from being drawn into the war. The statement represents Ukraine's account of Russian recruitment practices, and the figure of 47 countries was presented by Zelensky during his UN address.
N Korea military ties draw attention
Zelensky also highlighted Moscow's military relationship with North Korea. He said Ukraine had recently transferred two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea after they had been taken prisoner while fighting alongside Russian forces.
North Korean military involvement has added another international dimension to the conflict, with Kyiv repeatedly drawing attention to cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. Zelensky used the issue to argue that Russia is increasingly relying on support and personnel beyond its own borders.
Drones become central to Ukraine partnerships
Alongside his criticism of Russia, Zelensky promoted Ukraine's expanding international cooperation on drones. Ukraine and Finland signed a Drone Deal in New York covering defence cooperation, while Kyiv's agreement with Australia provides a broader framework for long-term defence and security cooperation.
Ukraine is also developing deeper drone cooperation with Canada. Earlier in September, the two countries announced plans covering joint drone production, counter-drone technology and a defence drone marketplace.
Winter could bring further energy attacks
Zelensky warned that the coming winter could bring another dangerous phase of the war. He said Ukraine could respond against Russian energy and heating facilities if Moscow continues attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Energy systems have remained a major part of the conflict. The United Nations has condemned large-scale Russian missile and drone strikes that damaged civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, while it has also stressed that civilian infrastructure must be protected by all sides under international humanitarian law.
Revenue remains part of Kyiv's strategy
Zelensky said Ukraine also wants to reduce the revenue available to Moscow to finance the war. He argued that continued trade generating income for Russia can prolong its military campaign and called for tighter economic pressure.
His UN address connected several strands of Kyiv's strategy: limiting Russian financing, protecting Ukraine's energy system, strengthening international defence partnerships and expanding domestic drone expertise. With another winter approaching, those issues are likely to remain central to Ukraine's diplomatic campaign and its efforts to secure long-term international support.
