KRG denies reports of Ukrainian drones, military personnel in Kurdistan Region

ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Interior on Thursday denied reports alleging the presence of Ukrainian drones, military forces or units in the Kurdistan Region, describing the claims as baseless.

In a statement, the ministry said it “completely rejects the rumors and news published in a number of media outlets regarding the presence of Ukrainian drones or military forces and units on the territory of the Region.” The ministry said the allegations are “fundamentally untrue and baseless.”

It reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s policy of neutrality in regional and international conflicts: “We emphasize the fundamental and unwavering position of the Kurdistan Region in adhering to a policy of neutrality, distancing itself from regional and international conflicts, and rejecting any attempt to use the Region’s territory as a base for any military or hostile actions against any country,” the statement said.

The ministry also stressed that maintaining security and stability remains its priority. “Under no circumstances will the Kurdistan Region be allowed to become involved or dragged into these conflicts,” it said.

Ukraine’s embassy in Iraq on Wednesday denied Iranian allegations that Kyiv had deployed thousands of drones and specialized units to the Kurdistan Region, describing the claims as deliberate disinformation and reaffirming its respect for Iraq’s sovereignty.

The denial followed an Oct. 20 report by Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, which cited an unidentified security source alleging that Ukrainian personnel and drone units were operating in several countries near Iran, including Iraq.

Saad Maan, head of the Iraq’s Security Media Cell, also dismissed social media claims that Ukrainian cells were operating in Iraq, saying security authorities relied on physical evidence and criminal investigations rather than unverified reports. “We do not engage with scenarios or analyses circulating on social media that amount to media disinformation. As a security official, I speak based on forensic evidence and crime scene findings. Physical evidence or clear proof must be presented before we can discuss such claims,” he said.