Ukraine rejects Iraqi official’s claim of Ukraine-linked cell

BAGHDAD, Iraq — KYIV — Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has rejected remarks by Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Abuadi, who said Iraqi security forces had detained a Ukraine-linked cell operating inside the country. The ministry said the allegations do not reflect reality and that it raised its objection through official diplomatic channels. According to al-Abuadi’s statement, the detained individuals were being directed through Ukraine and were preparing sabotage operations. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry pushed back, stating it has no evidence that its citizens were involved in foreign operations and no information on the existence of such a structure. The two governments have faced growing friction in recent months, and the dispute over the alleged cell adds a new dimension to those tensions. Both sides said diplomatic contacts will continue and that the matter will be handled through official channels. No further details on the evidence cited or on the identities of those detained were immediately available.