Prime Minister Imran Khan and Russian President Vladimir Putin shaking hands before their meeting in Moscow on 24th February, 2022.
Tazeen Akhtar
Finally Russia invades Ukraine from every possible route including Land, Air and Sea. It is a large scale war in which every type of destructive weapon is being used by the invader Russia. Capital city Kyiv of Ukraine is the worst hit city among all major cities and installations. Russia has claimed to destroy Ukrainian air defense system while Ukraine has denied it claiming hitting down Russian helicopters.
Unfortunately Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan was in Kremlin when Ukrainians were defending themselves from Russian Rockets and Tanks that were breaking into Ukrainian territories breaking the international borders and breaking the international laws and agreements.
As Pakistani PM and Foreign Minister both are in Moscow in meetings with counterparts , neither they could issue a statement on the invasion not any official or gov leader could gather courage to say something on the full scale aggression. Pakistan government is in Moscow but in the country, the people of Pakistan has expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
On the other hand, Turkish President has responded promptly condemning the invasion. ” War against Ukraine is not acceptable. The conflict should be resolved with dialogue,” Said Recep Erdogan in a statement.
UNO, European Union, USA, UK and many other countries of Europe and the world have condemned Russian invasion on Ukraine while President Putin has warned the west to stay away from the war otherwise they will see what they have not seen in the history. It is open threat to hit anyone who do not favor Russia or stand with Ukraine.
USA has issued a statement about Pakistan in Moscow expressing concern over a democratic country is standing with Putin.
NATO alerts the military establishments already set up to stop Russia from total war on Ukraine. A meeting of member countries has been convened on Friday to look into the new challenge posed by Russia.
Russia targeted the capital Kyiv first to hit with rockets and indiscriminate shelling on civilian installations. Ukrainian forces claim to destroy 3 Russian gunship helicopters and 4 tanks so far.
Ukraine has imposed Martial Law in the country to manage the situation created by Russian invasion. A fund has been opened in the central bank of Ukraine to collect donations from the citizens and abroad for expenditures of war.
Ukraine has took the challenge of Russian invasion and has stated that the aggressor will get a befitting response from Ukraine. President Zelensky is determined to teach a lesson to Putin.
40 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians have lost their lives in the Russian invasion. Russia has denied the casualties and the damage Ukraine has claimed about the Russian war helicopters.
Ukrainian forces started reporting the situation back to the government after 12 o clock noon on 24 Feb in which shared that energy and electricity supply lines were intact while Ukrainian military and border security forces were engaging Russian invaders valiantly.
Ukrainian families living in Islamabad and nearby cities held a protest in front of Foreign Ministry of Pakistan. The families were worried about their relatives in Ukraine for their safety. Pakistani spouses of Ukrainian ladies were also present. It can be noted that a large number of Ukrainian families live in Pakistan and play their role in building bilateral relations and cooperation. The families along with their children condemned the invasion and demanded the world to stop Russia from the aggression.
