On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alleged that Ukrainian forces are battling foreign mercenaries from several countries, including China, Pakistan, and African nations, and pledged that Ukraine would respond to their involvement. Pakistan, however, dismissed these accusations as "baseless."

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy mentioned that he visited Ukrainian troops and discussed the frontline situation with military commanders. He also highlighted issues related to drone supplies, recruitment, and direct funding for military brigades. According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian soldiers have reported the presence of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries among the enemy forces.

“We will respond,” Zelenskyy stated, while emphasizing his discussions with troops defending the Vovchansk direction, specifically mentioning the 17th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion of the 57th Brigade, named after Kish Otaman Kost Hordiienko. He noted that he awarded state honors to these defenders, calling it an honor to be with them.

In reaction to Zelenskyy’s remarks, Pakistan's Foreign Office issued a statement rejecting the allegations as unfounded. “So far, Ukraine has neither officially contacted Pakistan regarding this matter, nor provided any credible evidence to support such claims,” the statement said. Zelenskyy had earlier accused Russia of recruiting Chinese fighters to bolster its war efforts in Ukraine, accusations that Beijing has denied. Additionally, North Korea is reported to have deployed thousands of its troops in Russia’s Kursk region.