Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent allegations that Pakistani mercenaries are fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war have sparked a new wave of scrutiny toward Pakistan’s geopolitical maneuvering. During a visit to the Kharkiv frontline, Zelenskyy stated that his troops were encountering fighters from countries including Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and several African nations. His statement, posted on X, challenges Islamabad’s repeated assertions of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office swiftly dismissed the allegations, calling them “baseless” and reaffirming that the country has maintained a non-aligned stance throughout the war. Yet, the accusations add fuel to existing concerns about Islamabad’s strategic alignments, especially as Pakistan and Russia appear to be growing closer diplomatically and economically. Just weeks earlier, the two countries signed an agreement to revive the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) in Karachi—a facility originally built with Soviet assistance in 1971—signifying a renewed chapter in bilateral ties.
Historically, Pakistan’s relationship with Russia has been complex. During the Cold War, Pakistan allied itself with the West, joining anti-Soviet blocs like SEATO and CENTO, and actively supporting US efforts in the region. Ironically, Pakistan now seems to be rebalancing its global alliances amid a crippling economic crisis. Russia’s successful bid to help modernise PSM, overtaking China in the process, shows how Moscow is gaining leverage in Islamabad’s strategic calculus.
The controversy around Pakistani nationals in the war zone isn't new. In 2023, reports surfaced about Pakistan supplying arms to Ukraine, including artillery shells and rockets, allegedly facilitated through US intermediaries. Investigations by The Intercept and BBC Urdu suggested Pakistan earned hundreds of millions of dollars from such deals. At the time, the US was also accused of helping Pakistan secure an IMF bailout in return for these covert supplies. While Islamabad denied these arms deals, the narrative of Pakistan profiting—directly or indirectly—from the war has continued to gain traction.
Against this backdrop, Zelenskyy’s assertion takes on a more political dimension. If indeed Pakistani nationals are fighting for Russia, whether as mercenaries or via informal recruitment, it contradicts Pakistan’s declared neutrality. While there is no public evidence so far to support this claim, Pakistan’s own record on accountability and transparency has often drawn skepticism from the international community.
The broader concern lies in Pakistan’s evolving foreign policy posture. As its economic woes deepen, Islamabad appears to be practicing what many describe as “multi-vector diplomacy,” attempting to balance relations with China, the US, and now Russia. This strategy may help Pakistan diversify its aid and investment sources, but it also opens the door to accusations of opportunism and geopolitical inconsistency.
The implications of such a foreign policy are significant. The US remains Pakistan’s largest donor and former strategic partner. China is its biggest lender and a key force behind the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Russia’s entry into this power triangle adds another layer of complexity, especially when two of these powers—Russia and the US—are strategic allies of India. As Washington’s recent trade tensions with India escalate under President Trump, Pakistan’s maneuvering becomes even more closely watched.
Whether Zelenskyy’s allegations are true or not, they have spotlighted the murky intersections of economic desperation, foreign diplomacy, and military conflict. For Pakistan, navigating this diplomatic tightrope will require greater clarity, transparency, and a commitment to the values it claims to uphold on the global stage.
