ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has firmly rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s claims that Pakistani nationals are fighting as mercenaries in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. The Pakistani government called the allegations “baseless and unfounded” in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. It emphasized that Ukrainian authorities had not provided any formal request for clarification or presented any verifiable evidence to support such accusations.
“The Government of Pakistan categorically rejects the baseless and unfounded allegations of the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the conflict in Ukraine,” the statement read. The government added that it would raise the matter with Ukrainian authorities for further clarification.
Pakistan reiterated its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy in line with the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.
The response came shortly after Zelenskyy’s remarks during a visit to the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine, where he alleged that foreign fighters from various countries, including Pakistan, had joined Russian forces. In a post on X, he claimed, “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 had also previously accused Russia of recruiting Chinese fighters, a claim that Beijing has denied. Kyiv further alleged that North Korea had deployed thousands of troops to support Russian forces in the Kursk region. Despite these repeated claims of foreign mercenaries, independent verification of such accusations has been limited.
Pakistan has maintained a neutral stance throughout the conflict, despite pressure from the West to take a clear position against Russia. The country has abstained from condemning Moscow at the United Nations on several occasions.
Amid the ongoing controversy, reports had circulated suggesting that Pakistan might be supplying ammunition to Ukraine through a third country, though Pakistan has consistently denied any direct involvement in the conflict. Zelenskyy’s recent allegations have once again brought Pakistan’s potential role into focus, coinciding with mounting pressure on India from former U.S. President Donald Trump to stop purchasing oil and weapons from Russia. Trump has threatened to impose additional duties on Indian goods destined for the U.S. market.
