Putin claims that mercenaries from Albania, Kosovo, fighting Ukraine war refuted

English

Gazeta Express

04/03/2022 22:11

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking by phone with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that in Ukraine, mercenaries from third countries have been recorded, mentioning the alleged presence of Albania, Kosovo and Croatia citizens fighting on the side of Ukraine. Putin claims were refuted by Albanian authorities, Gazeta Express reports.

The press service of the Kremlin said in a statement quoting Putin, “We fix the appearance of mercenaries from third countries, including from Albania and Croatia, Kosovo militants and even jihadists with experience of military operations in Syria.”

This is not the first time Russia alleges that Kosovo and Albania citizens are fighting alongise Ukraine. However, these claims were refuted by Kosovo Ministry of Defence urging citizens not to fall prey to Russian misinformation campaign. Albanian Foreign Minister Olta Xhacka was quick to refute Putin’s claims saying that there are no Albanian mercenaries in Ukraine. “This is a lie that Moscow keeps repeating shamelessly! That said, Albania stands with Ukraine and will continue to work with all allies and partners to help end Russia’s unprovoked aggression on the people of Ukraine,” Xhacka wrote on Facebook. //GazetaExpress/