Islamabad denies involvement of Pakistani nationals in Russia-Ukraine conflict
Foreign Office. Photo: File
Islamabad rejected on Tuesday "baseless and unfounded" allegations of involvement of Pakistani nationals in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The Foreign Office (FO) said that Pakistani authorities have not been formally approached by the Ukrainian government, nor has any verifiable evidence been shared to substantiate the claims.
“The Government of Pakistan will take up the matter with Ukrainian authorities and seek clarification,” the statement added.
🔊PR NO.2️⃣3️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
Pakistan Rejects Baseless and Unfounded Allegations of the Involvement of Pakistani Nationals in the Conflict in Ukraine.
🔗⬇️https://t.co/rB5S3osGTs pic.twitter.com/w4hKfRMNgiPresident Volodymyr Zelenskiy claimed on Monday that Ukrainian troops in northeastern Ukraine were fighting foreign "mercenaries" from various countries, including China, Pakistan and parts of Africa, and vowed a response.
Zelenskiy has previously accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese fighters for its war effort against Ukraine - charges Beijing denied. North Korea has also provided thousands of its own troops in Russia's Kursk region.
"We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defence of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles," Zelenskiy wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after visiting a frontline area in the northeastern Kharkiv region.
🔊PR NO.2️⃣3️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
Pakistan Rejects Baseless and Unfounded Allegations of the Involvement of Pakistani Nationals in the Conflict in Ukraine.
🔗⬇️https://t.co/rB5S3osGTs pic.twitter.com/w4hKfRMNgi"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."
Earlier this week, Pakistan underscored in the UN Security Council the urgent need for renewed diplomatic efforts and a comprehensive ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
In 2023, Islamabad rejected claims that Pakistan agreed to supply weapons to Ukraine in return for securing an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout, saying the country maintained a “policy of strict neutrality”.
The rebuttal came after The Intercept, a US publication, claimed in its latest report that Pakistan supplied weapons to Ukraine via the US.
The publication backed its claims by two sources with knowledge of the arrangement, saying that internal documents from both the Pakistani and American governments confirm the development.