Pakistan is reportedly set to supply Ukraine with 230 containers of military equipment to help the nation defend itself against Russian aggression. The defence items will be sent from the Karachi port and shipped on two vessels, MV Bokram and MV Kherson. However, there are no details on the specifications of the defence supply. The transfer of weapons will be made using US and European flags, and they will enter Europe through ports in Poland and Germany. It is said that Islamabad is seeking Russian help to upgrade its aircraft engines and hoping to get discounted oil from Moscow this month.
Earlier this year, Pakistan sent a consignment of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, which included 155mm artillery shells, M4A2 propelling bag charges, M82 primers and PDM fuses. Last year, Britain supplied weapons and ammunition to Ukraine via Romania using Pakistan as an air bridge.
Pakistan’s supply of weapons to Ukraine comes as Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova visited India and said it was important to have India on Zelenskyy’s peace formula. Reports also suggest that Ukraine-Pakistan-China had created a nexus to share missile technology among themselves. Earlier in 2021, Islamabad was keen to purchase an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system from Ukraine. Pakistan has established itself as a major supplier of weapons and defence equipment to Ukraine in exchange for Western aid.
