BANGKOK – Cambodian leader Hun Sen has issued a firm denial of recent Thai media reports alleging that Russian soldiers or other foreign mercenaries are participating in hostilities on Cambodia’s side of the border conflict. In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Hun Sen called the reports inaccurate and warned they risk damaging Cambodia’s dignity and reputation, as well as that of the foreigners mentioned.

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He explicitly stated that there are no Russian soldiers or any other foreign military personnel operating on Cambodian territory, nor are any serving as military advisers to the Cambodian armed forces. Officials emphasized that Cambodia has not permitted foreign troops to operate inside the country since the departure of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) in 1993.

“We have no foreign military forces on the ground in Cambodia… Claims suggesting otherwise do not reflect the reality of Cambodia’s national defense policy,” the statement read.

Cambodian strongman Hun Sen has strongly denied recent reports in Thai media, claiming that Russian soldiers and other foreign nationals are participating as foreign mercenaries in fighting for Cambodia.

Hun Sen, in his Facebook post, stressed that such reports are inaccurate… pic.twitter.com/ySFx5xaQhD

— Thai PBS World (@ThaiPBSWorld) December 17, 2025

Hun Sen acknowledged that Cambodia has, in the past, engaged in internationally accepted defense cooperation, including hosting multilateral or bilateral military exercises and visits by foreign naval vessels to ports such as those in Sihanouk Province. He characterized these activities as routine forms of defense diplomacy, comparable to practices in other nations.

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The government also recognized the presence of many foreign nationals residing in Cambodia as investors, tourists, technicians, and employees, stressing that these civilians are not involved in military operations. Hun Sen reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to sovereignty, peace, and transparency, urging media outlets to verify information carefully to avoid misunderstandings that could harm international relations and public trust.

-Thailand News (TN)