Ankara: On Wednesday, China urged its citizens to steer clear of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine following allegations by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that foreign 'mercenaries' have become involved in the war.

According to Anadolu Agency, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun emphasized the country's consistent and clear position on the Ukraine crisis, underscoring their commitment to promoting peace talks and an end to the fighting. Guo stated that China has repeatedly issued security alerts advising Chinese nationals to avoid areas of armed conflict and to refrain from any form of involvement, particularly in military operations.

On Monday, President Zelenskyy claimed that Ukrainian forces in the northeastern part of the country were facing foreign fighters from several countries, including Pakistan. He reported on X that mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries were participating in the conflict and vowed a response during a visit to Ukrainian troops on the Vovchansk front.

In response, Pakistan has dismissed Zelenskyy's allegations as 'baseless and unfounded.' Nonetheless, the Pakistani government has expressed its intention to address these claims with Ukrainian authorities and seek clarification.