Pakistan denies Zelenskyy’s claims of its nationals fighting in Ukraine

The Pakistani Foreign Office on August 5 firmly denied accusations made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who alleged that Pakistani nationals were among foreign “mercenaries” fighting alongside Russian forces in northeastern Ukraine, according to Pakistani media.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on August 4, Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian commanders had informed him about the involvement of foreign fighters in the ongoing battles around Vovchansk.

“We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defence of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles. 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 wrote.

Responding to these remarks, the Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan issued a statement on August 5, categorically denying the accusation. “Pakistan categorically rejects the baseless and unfounded allegations of the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the conflict in Ukraine,” the statement said.

The FO further clarified that Pakistan had not been officially contacted by Ukrainian authorities regarding this matter, nor had it received any credible evidence to support the claims. “To date, Pakistan has not been formally approached by the Ukrainian authorities, nor has any verifiable evidence been presented to substantiate such claims,” it stated.

The ministry also indicated that Islamabad would seek a formal explanation from Kyiv. “The government will take up this matter with the Ukrainian authorities and seek clarification in this regard.”

“Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter,” the statement reads.

This is not the first time Pakistan has had to address such allegations. In the past, the government has denied suggestions that it was supplying weapons to Ukraine. Notably, during a visit to Pakistan in July 2023, then-Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba publicly dismissed reports that Pakistan was providing arms to his country.

The Russia-Ukraine war began on February 24, 2022, when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

By Tamilla Hasanova