Pakistan has categorically dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent claim that Pakistani nationals are fighting as mercenaries for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, calling the accusation unfounded and lacking any proof.
While visiting the war-torn Kharkiv region earlier this week, President Zelensky told media and posted on social media platform X that Ukrainian troops had reported encountering foreign fighters from multiple nations — including Pakistan, China, and several Central Asian and African countries — on the front lines.
“Our forces report engagement with mercenaries from abroad,” Zelensky stated, without offering direct evidence. His remarks were made during a visit to Ukrainian units operating in the embattled town of Vovchansk.
Pakistan Demands Evidence, Denies Involvement
Reacting to the accusation, Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a firm rebuttal on Tuesday. Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan called the allegations “completely baseless” and emphasized that Kyiv has not provided any official communication or substantiation to support such claims.
“No credible evidence has been shared with us by Ukrainian authorities,” Khan said. “We categorically reject any suggestion that Pakistani citizens are involved in the conflict on either side.”
He added that Islamabad will formally reach out to Kyiv to demand an explanation and clarify the basis of Zelensky’s statement.
Maintaining Neutrality in a Polarized Conflict
Since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022, Pakistan has walked a diplomatic tightrope — consistently maintaining a neutral stance while calling for a peaceful resolution grounded in international law and the UN Charter.
“Pakistan believes the only viable path forward is through dialogue and diplomacy,” the Foreign Office reiterated, underscoring that Islamabad remains committed to a negotiated end to the conflict rather than being drawn into geopolitical crossfire.
Context: A Pattern of Unverified Claims
Zelensky’s comments this week echo previous assertions of Russia using foreign fighters, including Chinese nationals — a claim Beijing has publicly refuted. While Ukraine has been vocal about Russia’s alleged recruitment of non-Russian personnel to bolster its war effort, independent verification of such claims has remained scarce.
For Pakistan, a country already navigating sensitive diplomatic relationships with both Moscow and Western powers, the allegation risks complicating its carefully managed neutrality.
Islamabad’s swift denial and demand for clarification signal its intention to prevent any perception of involvement in a war it has stayed clear of — at least officially — from day one.
