Zelensky says Putin uses fighters from 47 countries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian President Vladimir Putin at the United Nations of using fighters from 47 countries in Moscow’s war against Ukraine.

Zelensky said Russia had used citizens from countries including Ghana, Nepal and India in the conflict. He also said two North Korean prisoners of war captured by Ukrainian forces had been sent to South Korea.

The Ukrainian president said Kyiv had signed a drone deal with Finland and a security agreement with Australia, with drones included in that agreement. He said Ukraine was also preparing a drone deal with Canada.

Zelensky warned that Ukraine could target Russian heating and energy facilities this winter if Russia continues attacks on Ukrainian civilian heating and fuel infrastructure.

“Ukrainians understand that this winter could be very harsh for us, but in response we will have no choice but to make it painful for Russia too,” he said.

His comments came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was pushing Russia and Ukraine to cease attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure. Zelensky said Ukraine’s aim was not to destroy Russia’s gasoline and diesel supplies, but to deprive Moscow of revenue for its war.