Briefly: a diplomatic move instead of a public conflict
On 31 December the chargés d’affaires of India and Pakistan in Ukraine were summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; similar politico-diplomatic steps were taken through Ukraine’s embassy in the UAE. This is not a theatrical gesture — it is an official form of expressing disagreement with diplomatic statements about an alleged "attack" on the residence of the President of the Russian Federation.
What exactly was said in Kyiv
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs drew attention to the historical context: while Russia systematically attacks civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, any accusations against Kyiv must be supported by arguments, not used as a tool of propaganda. The Ukrainian side requested clarifications and expressed the expectation of support in condemning Russia’s real attacks on civilian sites.
"We hope that the leaders of these countries will express deep concern about Russia’s real attacks on civilian sites in Ukraine and solidarity with Ukraine, against which Russia, for the fourth year, has been waging an unjustified and unprovoked aggression"
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Background and facts
On 29 December Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Ukraine of allegedly "attacking" Vladimir Putin’s residence. In response, Ukrainian authorities and analytical centers questioned the materials provided by Moscow: Russia showed drone fragments it called evidence, while Kyiv’s Centre for Countering Disinformation characterized those materials as manipulation.
"fake"
— Centre for Countering Disinformation
What this means for relations with India, Pakistan and the UAE
Summoning diplomats is a way to convey a position quickly, publicly and formally. It is a test of whether partners are ready to separate verified facts from Moscow’s information injections. For Kyiv it is important not only to refute the accusations but also to receive from partners a clear signal of solidarity regarding security risks and the protection of civilians.
Forecast
This step indicates a systematic Ukrainian approach to information defense: diplomacy here functions as a tool of counter-propaganda. Next, one should expect reactions from the mentioned states — whether their public statements will turn into concrete political steps or remain formal expressions. This is a matter of security and reputation, and partners’ responses will show how ready the international community is to withstand Russian information attacks.
