Pakistan rejects claims of its nationals in Ukraine conflict

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday strongly denied claims made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the alleged presence of Pakistani nationals in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Zelensky, in a recent post on social media platform X, alleged that Ukrainian forces fighting in the country’s northeast were facing foreign mercenaries from countries including China, Pakistan, and parts of Africa.

In response, the Foreign Office issued a statement categorically rejecting what it called “baseless and unfounded allegations” of Pakistani involvement in the war.

“Pakistan has not been formally approached by Ukrainian authorities, nor has any verifiable evidence been shared to support these claims,” the statement read.

The FO said the matter would be officially raised with Ukrainian officials and that Pakistan would seek a formal clarification.

The statement reaffirmed Islamabad’s consistent position of neutrality and its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, as outlined in the UN Charter.

It is worth noting that during his visit to Pakistan in July 2023, then-Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba had also dismissed similar reports. At the time, he confirmed there were no arms or ammunition deals between Pakistan and Ukraine.

Pakistan, which maintained a neutral diplomatic stance in the early stages of the war, has in recent months urged for de-escalation and a ceasefire, as the conflict enters its fourth year.

Read more: Court dismisses petitions to stop Bahria Town property auction