KIEV, Aug 5 (Alliance News): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused foreign nationals—including citizens from Pakistan, China, and several African countries—of fighting alongside Russian forces in northeastern Ukraine, a claim that has sparked strong rebuttals from Islamabad, which termed the allegations as “baseless, fabricated, and unacceptable.”
In a statement posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), President Zelensky stated, “We spoke with the commanders on the frontline about the defense of Vovchansk and the situation in the war.
Our soldiers have reported that mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and some African countries are involved on this frontline. We will respond to this.”
The alleged involvement of foreign fighters, particularly from Pakistan, has raised diplomatic tensions between Kyiv and Islamabad, at a time when global concerns remain heightened over the expanding theatre of conflict and the internationalization of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Reacting swiftly to the statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly-worded rejection, emphasizing that the country remains neutral and supports a peaceful, diplomatic resolution to the conflict in line with the United Nations Charter.
“The Government of Pakistan completely rejects these allegations. There is no truth in this regard at any level,” said a spokesperson for the Foreign Office in Islamabad.
The official clarified that Pakistan has not received any formal communication or evidence from the Ukrainian government regarding the matter.
“So far, the Ukrainian authorities have neither formally contacted the Pakistani government nor provided any verifiable or concrete evidence in support of these claims.”
The statement further asserted that Pakistan would seek formal clarification from Ukraine and establish diplomatic contact over the accusations. “We will engage with Ukraine through diplomatic channels to seek an explanation and to register our serious concerns,” the spokesperson added.
The Ukrainian government has not yet provided concrete evidence to support the claim of Pakistani nationals’ presence on the battlefield in northeastern Ukraine.
The area in question, particularly around the contested city of Vovchansk, has been a flashpoint of intense fighting since Russian forces launched new offensives earlier this year.
Experts believe that the rhetoric about foreign mercenaries often serves political or psychological warfare objectives, rather than being substantiated with hard evidence. Nonetheless, such statements can cause diplomatic unease and public confusion, especially when relations between countries are at a sensitive point.
The recent allegation echoes earlier controversies involving Pakistan’s name in the Ukraine conflict.
A BBC investigation in 2023 alleged that Pakistan had entered into a $364 million arms deal with two U.S.-based private companies, through which Pakistani weapons were allegedly diverted to Ukraine to support its war effort against Russia.
That claim, too, was categorically denied by the Pakistani government, then-caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, and even the Russian Ambassador to Pakistan.
Pakistan has maintained a consistent position of neutrality on the Russia-Ukraine war since it began in February 2022.
Islamabad has repeatedly called for a peaceful settlement through dialogue and has discouraged any actions that could escalate the conflict or draw external players into the hostilities.
The Pakistani leadership has also supported the United Nations Charter and advocated for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
Meanwhile, analysts in Islamabad have voiced concern over the implications of such accusations.
“These allegations, if left unclarified, could damage Pakistan’s image in the international community and mislead global perception regarding our foreign policy stance,” said Dr. Shireen Mazari, a former federal minister and defense analyst.
“It’s critical that Ukraine either provide evidence or retract the statement, as such accusations can have serious consequences.”
Some have speculated whether the mention of Pakistani nationals could be a case of mistaken identity or a reflection of the presence of dual nationals or immigrants from Pakistan residing in other countries who might have been recruited independently. However, no such claims have been officially substantiated.
In a broader geopolitical context, this controversy also brings to light how narratives around foreign mercenaries are used by both sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
President Zelensky has previously accused Russia of recruiting Chinese fighters, a claim firmly denied by Beijing. Similar accusations have been made against Central Asian states and African nationals.
