Zelensky Claims Pakistani Fighters Among Foreign Mercenaries In Ukraine Islamabad Strongly Rejects Allegation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has alleged that foreign mercenaries, including individuals from Pakistan, China, and several African nations, are fighting alongside Russian forces in northeastern Ukraine, a claim Pakistan has swiftly and strongly rejected as baseless.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), President Zelensky said,“We spoke with frontline commanders about the defense of Vovchansk and the overall battlefield situation. Our soldiers report that mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and several African countries are present on this front. We will respond accordingly.”

Reacting to the accusation, Pakistan's Foreign Office issued a firm denial, calling the allegations“entirely unfounded, fabricated, and unacceptable.”

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In an official statement, the Foreign Office spokesperson said that the Government of Pakistan“categorically rejects these allegations. There is absolutely no truth to them at any level.” The spokesperson added that Ukrainian authorities have neither made formal contact with the Pakistani government regarding the claims nor provided any verifiable or credible evidence to support them.

The Foreign Office confirmed that Pakistan will establish formal communication with Ukraine to seek clarification on the matter. It reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to a peaceful, diplomatic resolution of the Ukraine conflict in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.

In 2023, a BBC report had alleged that Pakistan signed a $364 million arms deal with two U.S.-based private companies, with weapons reportedly routed to Ukraine.

Haq Kakar, and the Russian ambassador to Pakistan have all dismissed the report on multiple occasions.

This is not the first time President Zelensky has accused Russia of recruiting foreign fighters. Previous claims included the alleged deployment of Chinese mercenaries and North Korean troops to the battlefield, both of which were denied by the respective countries.

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