Zelensky condemns Russian decision send Syrian “murderers” to Ukraine
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia was hiring “murderers” from Syria to fight in Ukraine after Moscow said fighters from the war-torn nation would be allowed to join its forces.
In a video statement on Telegram, Zelensky said Ukraine is fighting a very stubborn enemy “who has decided to hire mercenaries against our citizens.”
“Murderers from Syria, a country where everything has been destroyed… like they are doing here to us,” Zelensky added.
Addressing the European countries, Zelensky said “the European Union should do more. It must do more for us, for Ukraine. The decisions of politicians must coincide with the mood of their people.”
The Kremlin said Friday that fighters from Syria and the Middle East would be allowed to fight for Russia in Ukraine.
Russia’s Defense Ministry TV channel shared clips of supposed Syrian combatants ready to ‘volunteer’ in Ukraine . In the video, dozens of armed Syrian mercenaries are pictured lining up as one soldier holds aloft the ‘Z’ sign that has become synonymous with support for Moscow’s war.
In the same context, Ned Price, US Department of State spokesperson, said yesterday “we’ve seen Putin’s comments about Syrian foreign fighters. If true, this would represent an even further escalation in Russia’s unjustified, unprovoked, premeditated aggression and now its brutal war against Ukraine.”
“Russia is and would be pulling from its destructive, its destabilizing playbook that has brought havoc to places like Syria,” Price added.
“Russia’s focus should be on stopping the war it started needlessly on an unjustified and premeditated basis rather than adding to the further suffering of the Ukrainian people, further casualties that Moscow has experienced.”
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, taking control of several areas so far. The war continues despite of international calls for suspension and efforts to mediate between both countries.