Pakistan denies involvement in Russia-Ukraine conflict

APP

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad rejected on Tuesday “baseless and unfounded” allegations of involvement of Pakistani nationals in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The Foreign Office said that Pakistani authorities have not been formally approached by the Ukrainian government, nor has any verifiable evidence been shared to substantiate the claims.

“The Government of Pakistan will take up the matter with Ukrainian authorities and seek clarification,” the statement added.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy claimed on Monday that Ukrainian troops in northeastern Ukraine were fighting foreign “mercenaries” from various countries, including China, Pakistan and parts of Africa, and vowed a response.

Zelenskiy has previously accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese fighters for its war effort against Ukraine – charges Beijing denied. North Korea has also provided thousands of its own troops in Russia’s Kursk region.

“We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defence of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles,” Zelenskiy wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after visiting a frontline area in the northeastern Kharkiv region.

“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.”