The relationship between Pakistan and Ukraine seems to be strengthening, with Ukraine acknowledging Pakistan's help in terms of weapons shipments. The Economic Times has reported that Ukraine will supply spare parts of Mi-17 helicopters to Pakistan as a gesture of gratitude. This agreement comes as a surprise since Ukraine is currently engaged in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and is experiencing a shortage of arms, ammunition, and spares.
The Ukrainian company Motor Sich JSC will supply spare parts and helicopter engines worth $1.5 million to the Pakistani armed forces. This is a remarkable move as Ukraine is also requesting several NATO countries for weapons supplies.
On the other hand, the Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) has signed a deal worth $300 million with the UK Ministry of Defence to supply more than 200,000 122 mm rockets and weapons to Ukraine. The rockets will be shipped out of the Karachi port and transported to the Ternopil oblast in Ukraine via Polish ports in Gdansk.
Pakistan has been sending a significant amount of arms and ammunition to Ukraine since the start of the war. It plans to ship more than 230 containers of weapons to Ukraine. The UK also airlifted supplies, arms, and ammunition from Nur Khan Air Base Rawalpindi, Pakistan, to a Romanian Air Base Avram Iancu Cluj for Ukraine.
In addition, Pakistan will receive the first shipment of discounted Russian oil by the early part of May from Russia. The Petroleum Minister of Pakistan, Musadik Malik, explained the deal with Russia and stated that they have already placed their orders. They hope that the total volume of shipment might reach 100,000 barrels per day if the first transaction goes smoothly.
This adept diplomatic maneuvering creates a win-win situation for all nations involved. Ukraine and its western backers can secure a constant stream of weapons supply, while the sanctions-hit Russia is getting buyers for its crude oil. Pakistan, on the other hand, is getting cheap oil from Russia, spares for its Mi-17 helicopters from Ukraine, and its removal from the FATF grey-list from western countries, primarily the United States.
Pakistan's removal from the FATF grey list allows it to receive an IMF bailout package that is desperately needed by its economy. This is indeed an excellent example of how diplomacy can solve problems and create win-win situations for all parties involved.
