By: ABID SIDDIQUE CHAUDHRY

The WORLD AMBASSADOR _________

In a statement issued on December 16, 2025, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Pakistan, Markiian Chuchuk, responded strongly to the disinformation spread by the Russian Federation’s embassy in Islamabad. Chuchuk refuted the Russian narrative presented on December 11, calling it a calculated piece of propaganda aimed at obscuring the reality of Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine.

1. Russian Aggression, Not a “Ukrainian Crisis”

Chuchuk reiterated Ukraine's firm stance against the Russian attempt to describe the ongoing war as a “Ukrainian crisis” or a “conflict in Ukraine.” He emphasized that these misleading terms are part of Russia’s disinformation campaign designed to blur the lines between the aggressor and the victim. According to international law, Russia’s actions — from the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 to the full-scale invasion in 2022 — constitute a clear act of aggression. Ukraine is merely defending its territorial integrity and exercising its inherent right to self-defense as stipulated in Article 51 of the UN Charter.

2. Who Started the War?

The Ukrainian ambassador pointed out that the international community has consistently and unequivocally identified Russia as the aggressor in this conflict. Numerous UN resolutions have condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and recognized it as an international armed conflict. Russia’s narrative that external forces provoked the war is categorically false, with the blame resting squarely on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

3. Diplomatic Efforts and Misrepresentation

Chuchuk also addressed Russia’s distorted portrayal of diplomatic efforts to end the war. Contrary to Russia’s claims that Western nations have been unconstructive, both the U.S. and Europe have imposed extensive sanctions on Russia and provided vital support to Ukraine. Ukraine remains grateful for this international assistance, which is crucial in countering Russian aggression and striving for a lasting peace.

4. Crimes Against Children and Humanity

A particularly egregious aspect of the Russian disinformation campaign, according to Chuchuk, is its attempt to justify crimes against Ukrainian children. He outlined the disturbing scale of child abductions by Russia, including the illegal deportation and forced re-education of over 700,000 Ukrainian children. These actions, Chuchuk stated, amount to genocide under international law. Ukraine has already documented thousands of cases of child deportations and is committed to returning every child forcibly taken to Russia.

5. Legal Nihilism and the Demand for Reparations

Ukraine’s Ambassador condemned Russia’s dismissal of international legal mechanisms such as the Register of Damage and the establishment of reparations tribunals. These are lawful measures to hold Russia accountable for its crimes. Chuchuk pointed out that under international law, Russia is obliged to provide reparations for the damage it has caused to Ukraine, including the freezing and potential confiscation of Russian assets as countermeasures for its violations.

6. Attacks on Ukraine’s Legitimacy

Chuchuk rejected Russia’s continuous attacks on the legitimacy of Ukraine’s government, particularly its baseless claims regarding the President's powers. He clarified that under Ukraine’s constitution, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains the legitimate leader of the country. The delay in elections is a direct result of Russia’s aggression, which has made conducting elections under democratic standards impossible during a time of war.

7. Nuclear Blackmail and Threats of Force

One of the most alarming aspects of Russia's statements, Chuchuk noted, was its direct threats of nuclear force against Europe. The use of nuclear weapons or the threat of such use is a gross violation of international law and the UN Charter. These threats are indicative of Russia’s increasing desperation and its disregard for global peace and security.

8. Neo-Colonial Narrative Targeting the Global South

Chuchuk criticized Russia’s attempt to frame its imperial aggression as anti-colonialism. Russia’s actions in Ukraine — including its territorial expansion through the illegal annexation of Crimea and other territories — are nothing short of neo-colonial. The Ukrainian ambassador emphasized that Russia’s aggressive actions undermine international sovereignty, which will ultimately harm many nations in the Global South.

A Call for Justice and Peace

In closing, Ambassador Chuchuk rejected the Russian narrative as an unfounded collection of propaganda. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to pursuing a just and lasting peace, based on international law and the principles of the UN Charter. He also expressed deep gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for their ongoing support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ukraine remains dedicated to working with the international community to hold Russia accountable for its actions and to ensure a peaceful, democratic future for Ukraine.