Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his forces "will respond" to the threat posed by foreign mercenaries fighting for Russia as a map by Newsweek shows the countries they come from.

It has been reported previously that Russia has used foreign mercenaries but Zelensky's remarks referred to troops drawn from Africa and Asia.

His claims have been confirmed on the ground, while some countries implicated have denied that their citizens are participating in the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously said Russia had no need for foreign fighters.

Newsweek has contacted the Russian defense ministry for comment.

Since the start of the war in February 2022, Russia has suffered casualties of at least 1 million, according to Kyiv's latest tally Thursday, which includes those killed and wounded.

Ukrainian frontline reports and Zelensky's public statements highlight the use of foreign mercenaries and allied troops by Russia to fill........

© Newsweek Asia