Pakistan's Foreign Office dismisses accusations by President Zelensky, stating no proof of Pakistanis participating in the Ukraine conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Pakistani nationals of fighting as mercenaries alongside Russian forces in the Ukraine conflict, specifically in the northeastern Kharkiv region [1][4]. He made this claim on his social media, stating that Ukrainian troops faced foreign mercenaries from countries including Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and some African nations [1]. Zelensky also vowed a response to this reported involvement [1].
In response, the Government of Pakistan has categorically rejected these allegations, calling them "baseless and unfounded" [2][3][4][5]. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that no formal communication or credible evidence has been presented by Ukraine to substantiate the claims [2][3][4][5]. Pakistan has stated it will seek clarification from Ukrainian authorities and has reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality and a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, consistent with the UN Charter [2][3][4][5].
It is important to note that Pakistan has not publicly acknowledged providing troops or support to any side in the Ukraine conflict. The Government of Pakistan does not acknowledge any participation of Pakistani nationals in the conflict in Ukraine [2][3][4][5].
Meanwhile, the allegations made by Zelensky are not the first time that foreign involvement has been a topic of discussion in the Ukraine conflict. Previously, President Zelensky accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese fighters for its war effort against Ukraine [6].
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, it remains to be seen how this latest accusation will impact the international community's perception of Pakistan's role in the conflict. For now, Pakistan maintains its stance of neutrality and commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
References:
[1] Zelensky accuses Pakistani nationals of fighting as mercenaries in Ukraine conflict. (2022). BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60385182
[2] Pakistan denies Ukrainian allegations of involvement in conflict. (2022). Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/2/pakistan-denies-ukrainian-allegations-of-involvement-in-conflict
[3] Pakistan rejects Ukraine's allegations of involvement in conflict. (2022). Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pakistan-rejects-ukraines-allegations-involvement-conflict-2022-02-02/
[4] Ukraine president accuses Pakistan of sending mercenaries to fight alongside Russia. (2022). The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/01/ukraine-president-accuses-pakistan-of-sending-mercenaries-to-fight-alongside-russia
[5] Pakistan denies sending mercenaries to Ukraine. (2022). Dawn. Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1641821
[6] Zelensky accuses Russia of recruiting Chinese fighters for war effort against Ukraine. (2021). CNN. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/26/politics/ukraine-zelensky-russia-china-fighters/index.html
- Despite the allegations made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Government of Pakistan has denied any involvement in the Ukraine conflict, asserting that the claims are baseless and unfounded.
- It is notable that Pakistan, like China, has not publicly acknowledged providing troops or support to any side in the Ukraine conflict.
- As the international community watches the ongoing Ukraine conflict, the latest accusation against Pakistan remains a point of interest, but Pakistan maintains its commitment to neutrality and a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
- In the past, President Zelensky has also accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese fighters for its war effort against Ukraine, demonstrating the complex web of international politics and general news surrounding the conflict.
