Latest news with #17thSeparateMotorisedInfantryBattalion


India Today
3 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Pakistani mercenaries fighting in Ukraine war amid closer Russia-Pak ties?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that his troops in northeastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region were encountering foreign mercenaries, including those from Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and African nations, fighting alongside Russian forces. This statement, made during a frontline visit with the 17th Separate Motorised Infantry Battalion, has raised questions on Pakistan's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war, and its diplomatic ambitions as it develops closer ties with wrote on his X account, "Our warriors in this sector are reporting the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war. We will respond."This stands in stark contrast to earlier reports from 2023, which alleged Pakistan's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war through the supply of arms to Kyiv. A US-based investigative media outlet, The Intercept, reported that the US helped Pakistan secure an IMF bailout through a secret arms deal involving supplies to Ukraine, while the BBC Urdu stated that Pakistan earned $364 million through deals with US companies to provide 155 mm artillery shells and rockets to Foreign Office on Tuesday vehemently denied both the arms supply allegations and Zelenskyy's recent claims, calling them "baseless" and reaffirming its neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine Zelenskyy's claims come at a time when Pakistan is warming ties with must be noted that the recent agreement to restore and modernise the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) in Karachi, signed on July 10, at the Pakistan Embassy in Moscow, marks a significant step in this TIES: COMPLICATED HISTORY BUT ON UPSWINGWhile Pakistan historically received massive Soviet support for infrastructure, it was also aligned against the USSR during the Cold instance, the Pakistan Steel Mills, built with Soviet assistance in 1971, is a symbol of Pakistan-Russia the company fell into heavy losses, recording a deficit of PKR 118.7 billion by 2013, largely due to mismanagement and the impact of the global Islamabad's ties with Moscow have been revived with the agreement to restore and modernise the PSM amid deep economic strains in during the Cold War, Pakistan aligned itself with the West by joining anti-communist alliances like the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO) and Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO), opposing Soviet present, Pakistan is grappling with a deep economic crisis. Hence, its approach of maintaining favour with global powers, such as the US, China, and now Russia, whether through business deals, diplomatic flattery, or offering strategic bases, raises questions about its Russia outbid China, which had also vied for the contract, leveraging its role in building the steel PAKISTAN DIVERSIFYING ITS ALLIANCE BEYOND US, CHINA?Pakistan moving closer to Russia suggests Islamabad is diversifying its alliances to bolster its geopolitical stature and is seemingly seeking support beyond traditional partners like the US and growing Pakistan-Russia ties, the presence of Pakistani nationals in the conflict zone, as claimed by President Zelenskyy, has drawn Pakistan has denied the presence of its nationals participating in the Ukraine-Russia war, its past track record on transparency and accountability has only led to Zelenskyy's claims are accurate, Pakistan – heavily reliant on international aid and support from the US, China, and now possibly Russia – may be using its economic crisis to sharpen multi-vector diplomacy, balancing ties with three major two of these, Russia and the US, are also strategic partners of India, although US-India relations have faced recent strain over President Donald Trump's protectionist tariffs.- EndsMust Watch


India.com
3 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Zelenskyy Says He Had Productive Conversation With Trump On Ending War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday said he had a "productive conversation" with US President Donald Trump, with the main focus on ending the war with Russia and coordinating positions between Kyiv and Washington. Zelenskyy said the two leaders discussed achieving a "just and lasting peace" and expressed appreciation for Trump's efforts to help end the conflict. "It is truly a must to stop the killing as soon as possible, and we fully support this. Many months could have already passed without war, had Russia not been prolonging it," Zelenskyy said in a statement shared on X. Zelenskyy added that both sides exchanged assessments of the battlefield, particularly the rising number of Russian strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. He said President Trump was "fully informed" about the current situation and Moscow's intensified assaults. The two leaders also discussed sanctions on Russia. Zelenskyy said Russia's economy continues to weaken under international pressure and that Trump's strong stance on sanctions "can change a lot". "That's exactly why Moscow is so sensitive to this prospect and President Trump's resolve," he added. Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine and the US discussed broader European support, particularly defence aid from NATO countries. He highlighted that over $1 billion in American-made weapons had already been pledged by the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. "This cooperation with NATO countries will continue," the Ukrainian President said. He also revealed that a new bilateral defence agreement between Ukraine and the US, focused on drones, had been drafted. "The draft agreement on drones has already been prepared by the Ukrainian side. We are ready to discuss it in detail and conclude it. One of the strongest agreements this could be," Zelenskyy stated. Zelenskyy ended his message by thanking the people of the United States for supporting Ukraine's defence. "Thank you to every American heart that supports our defense of life. Thank you, President Trump!" he said. In a separate update, President Zelenskyy said that mercenaries from countries like China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and several African nations are fighting alongside Russian troops in the ongoing war. The claim was made during his visit to front-line soldiers of the 17th Separate Motorised Infantry Battalion of the 57th Brigade in the Kharkiv region on Monday. "Our warriors in this sector are reporting the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war. We will respond," he posted on X. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has once again targeted India over its oil imports from Russia. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said the US would "substantially raise" the tariffs India pays for buying what he described as "massive amounts of Russian oil." "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!" Trump wrote. The post comes shortly after Trump announced a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods and signalled additional penalties over energy trade with Moscow.


NDTV
4 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Ukraine's Zelensky Says Pak, Chinese Soldiers Fighting For Russia
Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that mercenaries from China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing conflict. This announcement comes as Ukraine continues to grapple with the brutal war that has claimed countless lives and displaced millions. During a visit to the front-line troops in the Kharkiv region on Monday, Zelenskyy met with the brave warriors of the 17th Separate Motorised Infantry Battalion of the 57th Brigade. As he assessed the situation, he learned that foreign mercenaries were on the ground, fighting against Ukrainian forces. "Our warriors in this sector are reporting the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war. We will respond," Zelenskyy stated firmly on X. Today, I was with those defending our country in the Vovchansk direction – the warriors of the 17th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion of the 57th Brigade named after Kish Otaman Kost Hordiienko. We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defense of… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 4, 2025 "We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defence of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles. We also specifically addressed the issues of drone supply and deployment, recruitment, and direct funding for the brigades," he added. Zelenskyy expressed his deepest gratitude for his soldiers' unwavering bravery and stated. "I presented our defenders with state awards. It is an honor for me to be here. Thank you for fighting, serving your state and the Ukrainian people, and for supporting one another." As fighting has continued, Russian and Ukrainian officials have held several meetings in recent months in Istanbul, Turkiye, Al Jazeera reported. The latest meeting secured an agreement to exchange 1,200 prisoners, Zelenskyy announced on Sunday. Earlier, Trump had threatened to impose "very severe tariffs" on Russia if it failed to reach a ceasefire deal with Ukraine soon, recently shortening his initial deadline of 50 days to within 10-12 days. On Tuesday, three people were killed in a Russian attack on the Stepnohirsk community in Ukraine's Zaporizhia region, the local military administration said on Telegram. Russia launched 405 attacks on 10 settlements in the region in the past day, the administration said on Monday.


Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ukraine's Zelensky says mercenaries from China, Pakistan fighting for Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that mercenaries from China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing conflict. Zelenskyy expressed his deepest gratitude for his soldiers' unwavering bravery.(AP) This announcement comes as Ukraine continues to grapple with the brutal war that has claimed countless lives and displaced millions. During a visit to the front-line troops in the Kharkiv region on Monday, Volodymyr Zelensky met with the brave warriors of the 17th Separate Motorised Infantry Battalion of the 57th Brigade. As he assessed the situation, he learned that foreign mercenaries were on the ground, fighting against Ukrainian forces. "Our warriors in this sector are reporting the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war. We will respond," Zelensky stated firmly on X. "We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defence of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles. We also specifically addressed the issues of drone supply and deployment, recruitment, and direct funding for the brigades," he added. Zelensky expressed his deepest gratitude for his soldiers' unwavering bravery and stated. "I presented our defenders with state awards. It is an honour for me to be here. Thank you for fighting, serving your state and the Ukrainian people, and for supporting one another." As fighting has continued, Russian and Ukrainian officials have held several meetings in recent months in Istanbul, Turkiye, Al Jazeera reported. The latest meeting secured an agreement to exchange 1,200 prisoners, Zelensky announced on Sunday. Earlier, Trump had threatened to impose "very severe tariffs" on Russia if it failed to reach a ceasefire deal with Ukraine soon, recently shortening his initial deadline of 50 days to within 10-12 days. On Tuesday, three people were killed in a Russian attack on the Stepnohirsk community in Ukraine's Zaporizhia region, the local military administration said on Telegram. Russia launched 405 attacks on 10 settlements in the region in the past day, the administration said on Monday.


Mint
4 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
‘We will respond': Zelensky says Pakistani, Chinese mercenaries are fighting for Russia amid Trump's tariff threat
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that mercenaries from China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and various African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing conflict. On Monday, Zelensky visited the front-line troops in the Kharkiv region and met with the warriors of the 17th Separate Motorised Infantry Battalion of the 57th Brigade. During his visit, he discovered that foreign mercenaries were on the ground, fighting against Ukrainian forces. Taking to the social media platform X, Zelensky wrote, 'Our warriors in this sector are reporting the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war. We will respond.' He further added, 'We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defence of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles. We also specifically addressed the issues of drone supply and deployment, recruitment, and direct funding for the brigades.' His statement comes as Ukraine still faces the harsh realities of war that have resulted in many lives lost and millions displaced. Zelensky expressed his deepest gratitude for his soldiers and said, 'I presented our defenders with state awards. It is an honor for me to be here. Thank you for fighting, serving your state and the Ukrainian people, and for supporting one another.' As the conflict persists, Russian and Ukrainian officials have convened multiple meetings in Istanbul, Turkiye, Al Jazeera reported. Zelensky announced on Sunday that the latest meeting agreed to exchange 1,200 prisoners. Also Read | Ukraine says it uncovers major drone procurement corruption scheme Previously, Trump had issued a warning of implementing "very severe tariffs" on Russia if it did not promptly conclude a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine, recently reducing his initial timeframe from 50 days to a period of 10-12 days. Three individuals were killed on Tuesday during a Russian attack on the Stepnohirsk community in Ukraine's Zaporizhia region, ANI reported, citing the local military administration. The administration reported on Monday that Russia conducted 405 attacks across 10 settlements in the region in the past day.