Doval-Patrushev may discuss Pak-Ukraine defence axis

Signalling deepening military ties, Ukrainian armed forces are allegedly using Pakistan-made 122mm Yarmuk HE-Frag rockets in the battlefield against Russia amid intensification of the war.

These rockets manufactured by Pakistan Ordnance Factories are analogous to the Soviet 9M22U, with a 20.5 km range. Ukraine has procured these through third countries, in the same way it received other consignments from Pakistan since last year, ET has learnt.

Ukraine has been facing a shortage of arms and ammunition and Pakistan has emerged as a key supplier to Kyiv via Poland and Germany, besides through an airbridge established by the UK and a US flag ship. ET was the first report on this development.

Pakistani passports may be obtained by "groups" in Ukraine to enable travel of ex-Afghan army soldiers to fight against Russia, the New York Times reported last week, citing a member of the 'International Legion' formed by the Ukrainian government. Amid this Pakistan is also dilly dallying on purchasing discounted oil from Russia frustrating authorities in Moscow, ET has learnt.

The issue of the Pakistan-Ukraine defence axis, which Moscow has been tracking closely, is expected to figure among other regional issues in the India-Russia National Security Advisor-level talks here on Wednesday or Thursday. Russian NSA Gen Nikolay Patrushev is visiting New Delhi for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation NSA-level talks scheduled on Wednesday.

Earlier this month ET had reported that Pakistan was planning to transfer 44 T-80UD main battle tanks to Ukraine, stepping up defence supplies to the country in exchange for financial assistance from western countries.

Defence shipments from Karachi to Ukraine are being routed via ports in Poland and Germany. Some of the shipments were based on a memorandum of understanding between Pakistan and the UK's defence ministry. Last year, the UK used Pakistan as an air bridge to supply arms to Ukraine via Romania.