Pakistan’s Foreign Office categorically denied allegations by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Pakistani nationals are fighting in support of Russia as foreign mercenaries, condemning these as baseless and unfounded. No formal approach or verifiable evidence had been presented by Ukraine to support such claims, with Radio Pakistan, Gulf News Dawn Arab News Ukrinform all offering similar responses.
On August 4th, President Zelenskyy made allegations against forces reportedly from China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and multiple African countries who are fighting alongside Ukrainian forces in Kharkiv region in northeast Ukraine. These fighters may include those from China, Pakistan, Tajikistan Uzbekistan and several African nations (Khaama News +9; Reuters +9)
On X (formerly Twitter), he reported the involvement of mercenaries from various nations and pledged a response plan.
Pakistan’s Rebuttal
On August 5, Pakistan’s Foreign Office responded that no Ukrainian authority had officially reached out to Pakistan about any alleged Pakistani fighters and no credible information has been shared regarding any possible fighters from their nation. A statement issued by Islamabad stressed this fact and stated they will seek clarification from Kyiv on this issue, Gulf News +8 and Dawn +8, The Express Tribune +8, Khaama News +7, Radio Pakistan +7 and Caliber = 7.
Pakistan reiterated its longstanding policy of neutrality on Thursday, emphasizing its desire to resolve the Ukraine conflict through diplomatic engagement and in accordance with UN Charter principles, reported Radio Pakistan Gulf News Arab News.
Historical Context
Pakistan’s denial echoes earlier responses it made regarding reports in 2023 alleging it had given arms to Ukraine – claims which were later disproved by Ukraine’s foreign minister during an official visit, who stated publicly that “no arms deal” existed between their nations (The Daily CPEC + 4The Express Tribune+4/en.wikipedia.org +4)
Pakistan has regularly maintained trade with both Russia and Ukraine while abstaining from UN votes condemning Moscow and emphasizing non-aligned diplomatic policy (en.wikipedia.org; Ukrinform).
Implications and Diplomatic Fallout
Analysts indicate that Kiev’s accusations aim to discredit foreign involvement seen as strengthening Russia’s combat capacity, with Pakistani’s forceful response aiming at protecting their international image and negating association with Ukrainian theater. Islamabad officials cautioned against speculation conducted without evidence, emphasizing their country’s neutrality commitment.
What Are My Next Steps
Pakistani authorities have indicated they will reach out formally to Ukrainian counterparts to request clarification on this issue, with Kyiv providing either evidence–or not providing it–that could determine whether this escalates into a bilateral diplomatic dispute.
Observers warn that such allegations, if left unproven, could tarnish Pakistan’s international diplomatic standing significantly, particularly given its history of working to promote peace in Ukraine through humanitarian aid and calls for ceasefire procedures (en.wikipedia.org).
Pakistan’s official position emphasizes long-established principles: non-interference, neutral diplomacy and war resolution through negotiation. Pakistan Foreign Ministry representatives stressed the need to safeguard agriculture trade cooperation as well as any future conflict resolution efforts from being undermined by unverified war claims.
As the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters its third year, Islamabad continues to urge all sides toward ceasefire, humanitarian relief, and diplomatic dialogue. Pakistan remains actively engaged with both Russia and Ukraine while carefully calibrating its international stance to avoid getting embroiled in military controversies or proxy conflict narratives.