Pakistan’s Denial of Involvement in Ukraine War (August 6, 2025)
Background
On August 4, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a statement during a visit to the frontline in the Vovchansk sector of Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. He claimed that Ukrainian forces had encountered foreign “mercenaries” fighting alongside Russian troops, specifically mentioning individuals from countries including China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and several African nations. Zelensky vowed a response to their presence, stating, “Our warriors in this sector are reporting the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war. We will respond.” This was not the first time Zelensky had made such claims; he previously accused Russia of recruiting Chinese fighters, a charge Beijing denied.
These allegations came amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began on February 24, 2022, when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine. Pakistan has maintained a policy of neutrality in the conflict, consistently advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, in line with the principles of the UN Charter.
Pakistan’s Official Response
On August 5, 2025, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued a strong rebuttal, categorically rejecting Zelensky’s claims as “baseless and unfounded.” The Foreign Office, through a press release (PR No. 230/2025), emphasized that Pakistan had not been formally approached by Ukrainian authorities regarding the alleged involvement of Pakistani nationals in the conflict. Furthermore, no verifiable evidence had been provided to substantiate these claims. The statement, echoed across multiple platforms, was clear: “The Government of Pakistan categorically rejects the baseless and unfounded allegations of the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the conflict in Ukraine.”
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, in a press briefing, reiterated that Pakistan would formally take up the matter with Ukrainian authorities to seek clarification. The government stressed its commitment to maintaining neutrality and fostering a peaceful resolution to the conflict, aligning with its long-standing diplomatic stance. The Foreign Office also highlighted Pakistan’s recent efforts at the UN Security Council, where it underscored the need for renewed diplomatic efforts and a comprehensive ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Context and Previous Allegations
This was not the first instance of Pakistan addressing claims related to the Ukraine conflict. In 2023, a report by The Intercept, a U.S.-based publication, alleged that Pakistan had supplied weapons to Ukraine in exchange for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout. Pakistan swiftly denied these claims, with then-Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stating that Pakistan had not sold weapons to either Ukraine or Russia, reaffirming the country’s “policy of strict neutrality.” Similarly, during a visit to Pakistan in July 2023, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba dismissed reports of arms or ammunition deals between Pakistan and Ukraine, clarifying that no such agreements existed.
Pakistan’s historical relations with Ukraine have been cooperative, particularly in defense, with Pakistan purchasing weapons systems from Ukraine in the past. However, in recent years, Pakistan has also strengthened ties with Russia, adding complexity to its neutral stance. The Foreign Office has repeatedly called for accurate information to avoid damaging Pakistan’s international reputation and has discouraged rumors that could misrepresent its position.
Broader Implications
Zelensky’s allegations also mentioned mercenaries from other countries, including China and Central Asian states, which complicates the narrative. China has previously denied similar accusations of its nationals fighting for Russia, and North Korea has been reported to have sent thousands of troops to support Russia in the Kursk region. Al Jazeera, reporting from Kyiv, noted that Zelensky’s claims about foreign fighters could not be independently verified, adding that “lots of foreign fighters” have also volunteered to fight for Ukraine. This suggests a broader presence of international actors on both sides of the conflict, though specific evidence regarding Pakistani nationals remains absent.
Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments. Some users, like @ForcesHub and @Fizz_Urooj, echoed Pakistan’s official stance, emphasizing the lack of credible evidence and labeling the allegations as baseless. Others, such as @TheGygsawIN, expressed skepticism, suggesting Pakistan’s denial follows a pattern of dismissing accusations without sufficient transparency, while simultaneously acknowledging Pakistan’s historical alignment with Ukraine. These posts, while indicative of public sentiment, are inconclusive without verifiable evidence.
Pakistan’s Next Steps
The Foreign Office has confirmed that Pakistan will engage with Ukrainian authorities to address these allegations and seek clarification. This diplomatic move aims to ensure that no misinformation undermines Pakistan’s neutral position or its international relations. The government has also reiterated its commitment to monitoring the situation closely and advocating for peace, consistent with its statements at the UN Security Council and other international forums.
