Uzbeks are also fighting on the side of Russia – Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that citizens of Uzbekistan are among those fighting on the Russian side. He wrote about this on his Telegram channel on August 4, after visiting a battalion in the city of Volchansk, located in the north of the Kharkiv region.

"Today I was with those defending our country in the Volchansk direction – soldiers of the 17th Separate Motorized Rifle Battalion of the 57th Brigade," the President wrote.

According to Zelensky, he spoke with the battalion commanders about the situation on the front line, the defense of Volchansk, and the dynamics of combat operations. The topics of drone deployment, recruitment of new soldiers, and direct financial support to the brigades were also discussed.

"In this direction, the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries has been observed. We will respond to these situations appropriately," the Ukrainian leader wrote.

He also expressed gratitude to the soldiers defending Ukraine.

"I thank you for serving our state, the Ukrainian people, for fighting and supporting one another," Zelensky said.

It should be noted that earlier, the "I Want to Live" project—organized with the support of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Main Intelligence Directorate—announced the names of 902 Uzbek citizens who had signed contracts with the Russian Armed Forces to participate in the war against Ukraine.