ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s government on Tuesday fired back at claims made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling his allegations that Pakistani nationals are fighting as mercenaries for Russia “baseless and unfounded.”
In a firm and clear statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) addressed the accusations, which have stirred diplomatic waters and put a spotlight on Pakistan’s carefully maintained neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
This all started after President Zelensky’s recent visit to the front lines. Let’s break down what happened.
What Did President Zelensky Allege?
On Monday, after visiting troops in the northeastern Kharkiv region, President Zelensky took to X (formerly Twitter) to share an update. He mentioned that his soldiers on the ground were reporting the involvement of foreign fighters siding with Russia.
In his post, he stated: “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.”
Today, I was with those defending our country in the Vovchansk direction – the warriors of the 17th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion of the 57th Brigade named after Kish Otaman Kost Hordiienko.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 4, 2025
We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defense of… pic.twitter.com/40XsGHZU0T
The claim, which included Pakistan among several other nations, quickly gained international attention, prompting an immediate response from Islamabad.
Pakistan’s Swift and Strong Denial
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs didn’t waste any time. In an official press release, they systematically dismantled the claim, highlighting several key points:
- Categorical Rejection: The government “categorically rejects the baseless and unfounded allegations of the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the conflict in Ukraine.”
- No Evidence Provided: The FO made it clear that Ukraine has not shared any proof. “To date, Pakistan has not been formally approached by the Ukrainian authorities, nor has any verifiable evidence been presented to substantiate such claims.”
- Seeking Formal Clarification: Islamabad isn’t letting this go. The statement confirmed that “The Government of Pakistan will take up the matter with Ukrainian authorities and seek clarification.”
🔊PR NO.2️⃣3️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 5, 2025
Pakistan Rejects Baseless and Unfounded Allegations of the Involvement of Pakistani Nationals in the Conflict in Ukraine.
🔗⬇️https://t.co/rB5S3osGTs pic.twitter.com/w4hKfRMNgi
The ministry concluded by reinforcing its official position on the war, stating, “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.”
A Consistent Policy of Neutrality
This isn’t the first time Pakistan has had to fend off claims about its role in the Russia-Ukraine war. The country has consistently maintained a policy of strict neutrality, avoiding direct criticism of Moscow while also voicing support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Just last year, in July 2023, similar reports alleged that Pakistan was supplying ammunition to Ukraine. During a visit to Islamabad, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba personally refuted those claims, confirming there were no arms deals between the two nations.
Pakistan has instead focused on calling for a ceasefire and providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, even as it navigates its own economic challenges and strengthens some economic ties with Russia.
What’s Next for Pakistan?
With Pakistan planning to formally engage with Ukrainian authorities, the ball is now in Kyiv’s court to either provide the “verifiable evidence” Islamabad is asking for or walk back the president’s statement. For now, Pakistan stands firm in its denial, working to protect its reputation as a neutral party committed to a diplomatic solution.
