Ukraine denies claims of training militants in Kurdistan Region

BAGHDAD — The Embassy of Ukraine in Iraq on Saturday rejected allegations that Ukrainians were involved in training militants or providing drone expertise in the Kurdistan Region, following claims made in a “confessions” video released by local security forces.

“The Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Iraq categorically denies the false reports that have appeared in some media outlets, alleging that the Ukrainian side is involved in the preparation or training of individuals engaged in unlawful activities on the territory of Iraq or the Kurdistan Region of Iraq,” the embassy said in a statement.

It added, “Ukraine has never carried out and does not carry out any activities related to the training of militants or the production of unmanned aerial vehicles for illegal use outside our state. Such claims are blatant disinformation that has no factual basis. We regard the dissemination of false information as an attempt to discredit Ukraine and its leadership.”

The embassy urged journalists to rely on official sources and avoid spreading unverified reports.

The denial follows unrest in Sulaymaniyah governorate. On Aug. 22, heavy clashes erupted in the Lalazar area between security forces and supporters of Lahur Sheikh Jangi, former Patriotic Union of Kurdistan co-chair and now leader of the People’s Front. Security forces later stormed the Lalezar Hotel, detaining Sheikh Jangi, his brother Polad and dozens of associates.

Days later, the Kurdistan Region Security Agency released a 24-minute “confessions” video in which detainees alleged Sheikh Jangi and his allies plotted to assassinate PUK leader Bafel Talabani and seize his Dabashan residence. Some claimed they had received drone training abroad, including in Ukraine.

The People’s Front dismissed the footage as fabricated, saying in an Aug. 28 statement, “Before we in the People’s Front reject the weak and misleading scenario of the new PUK and expose them as lies, the Kurdish people have already broadly refuted them on social media and in the media.” The group also described the operation as a “terrible and disgusting situation” that harmed the Kurdistan Region’s image.