By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday has said Pakistani and Chinese mercenaries are fighting alongside Russian troops in the Vovchansk region in northeastern Ukraine.
‘’I was with those defending our country in the Vovchansk direction. We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defence of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles. We also specifically addressed the issues of drone supply and deployment, recruitment and direct funding for the brigades. Our warriors in this sector are reporting the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war,’’ the Ukrainian President said on X.
Pakistan described the Ukrainian President’s revelations as ‘’baseless and unfounded’’ and said they would take up the matter with the Ukrainian government and seek clarification.
‘’The government of Pakistan categorically rejects the baseless and unfounded allegations of the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the conflict in Ukraine. To date Pakistan has not been formally approached by the Ukrainian authorities nor has any verifiable evidence been presented to substantiate such claims,’’ a statement issued by the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said.
Zelensky had said in April that Ukrainian intelligence found 155 Chinese nationals were fighting inside Ukraine. He said Ukrainian army had captured two Chinese men fighting with the Russian Army.
