Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukrainian troops battling near Vovchansk in the northeastern Kharkiv region are confronting foreign “mercenaries” fighting for Russia. In a post after visiting the frontline, he cited fighters from China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and several African nations, and pledged a response, without specifying what measures Kyiv would take. The allegation marks the latest instance of Kyiv accusing Moscow of broadening its manpower pool as the war approaches its fourth year. Zelenskiy has previously asserted that Chinese nationals were joining Russian units, a charge Beijing has denied. China’s foreign ministry has reiterated that it tells citizens to avoid combat zones and urged Ukraine to refrain from “irresponsible remarks.” Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday dismissed the claim of Pakistani mercenaries as “baseless.” Embassies of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in Kyiv did not immediately comment, and Russia has yet to respond publicly. Neither Ukraine nor independent observers have provided evidence to substantiate the presence of foreign fighters from the countries named. The battlefield assertion comes as Russian forces continue incremental gains in eastern Ukraine, most recently claiming control of Chasiv Yar after 16 months of fighting.