Islamabad, December 16, 2025: The Ukrainian Embassy in Pakistan strongly rebutted disinformation circulated by the Russian Federation’s embassy in Islamabad, with Ambassador Markiian Chuchuk calling it a “calculated propaganda effort” aimed at obscuring Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Responding to statements issued by Russia on December 11, Chuchuk rejected attempts to frame the ongoing war as a “Ukrainian crisis” or “conflict in Ukraine,” emphasizing that such narratives are part of a deliberate campaign to blur the distinction between aggressor and victim. “Russia’s actions — from the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 to the full-scale invasion in 2022 — constitute clear aggression. Ukraine is exercising its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter,” he stated.
The ambassador stressed that the international community has consistently recognized Russia as the aggressor, with multiple UN resolutions condemning its invasion. He rejected claims that external forces provoked the war, placing full responsibility on Moscow.
Chuchuk also countered Russian misrepresentations of diplomatic efforts, highlighting that the U.S. and European nations have imposed extensive sanctions on Russia while providing vital support to Ukraine. He expressed gratitude for this international assistance, which is crucial in countering aggression and striving for a lasting peace.
Highlighting the humanitarian impact, Chuchuk condemned Russia’s crimes against Ukrainian children, including the illegal deportation and forced re-education of over 700,000 minors, actions he described as constituting genocide under international law. Ukraine has documented thousands of these cases and remains committed to repatriating all children forcibly taken to Russia.
The ambassador further criticized Russia’s dismissal of legal mechanisms such as the Register of Damage and proposed reparations tribunals, reiterating that Moscow is legally obligated to compensate Ukraine for damages, including through frozen or confiscated assets.
Rejecting attacks on the legitimacy of Ukraine’s government, Chuchuk clarified that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains the country’s lawful leader, and that delays in elections are directly caused by Russian aggression, which has made holding democratic elections impossible during wartime.
Chuchuk also condemned Russia’s threats of nuclear force against Europe, calling such actions “gross violations of international law and the UN Charter,” and indicative of Moscow’s increasing desperation. He criticized attempts to portray imperial aggression as anti-colonial, stating that Russia’s territorial expansions represent neo-colonialism that undermines international sovereignty.
In conclusion, Ambassador Chuchuk rejected the Russian narrative as “unfounded propaganda” and reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to a just and lasting peace based on international law. He also expressed appreciation to Pakistan for its continued support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Ukraine remains dedicated to working with the international community to hold Russia accountable and ensure a peaceful, democratic future for our country,” Chuchuk said.
