ISLAMABADA: Pakistan’s foreign office on Tuesday rejected “baseless and unfounded” allegations by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said this week that his country was fighting “mercenaries” from various states including China, Pakistan and parts of Africa.
After visiting a frontline area in the northeastern Kharkiv region, Zelenskyy wrote on X on Monday that as per reports from his “warriors,” mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries are participating in the war against Ukraine.
Zelenskyy has previously accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese fighters for its war effort against Ukraine, charges Beijing denied, while North Korea has also reportedly provided thousands of its troops in Russia’s Kursk region.
“The Government of Pakistan categorically rejects the baseless and unfounded allegations of the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the conflict in Ukraine,” the foreign office said in a statement.
“To date, Pakistan has not been formally approached by the Ukrainian authorities, nor has any verifiable evidence been presented to substantiate such claims.”
It said the government will discuss the matter with Ukrainian authorities and seek clarification on Zelenskyy’s statement.
“Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter,” the foreign office concluded.
Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, amid protests from Western governments and peace activists worldwide. Thousands have been killed on both sides since the conflict began and rages on, with Washington and other powers calling for an end to the fighting that has dealt setbacks to the global economy and developing countries.
Pakistan has repeatedly called for de-escalation and cessation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine ever since the war began. Pakistan has also welcomed talks between both countries and agreements on prisoner exchanges while raising alarm at the increasing surge in civilian casualties as the war continues.
Islamabad has moved closer to Russia in recent months, signing trade and investment agreements with Moscow as it seeks to escape a prolonged economic crisis. Pakistan has avoided criticizing Russia for invading the eastern European country, calling instead for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
