Ukraine's Strategic Alliances: A Closer Look at Its Ties with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
Ukraine's Strategic Maneuvers
Kyiv: Ukraine's approach has consistently revolved around 'money and advantage.' The country has a longstanding relationship with Pakistan, which has previously deceived India. Ukraine has emerged as the primary supplier of arms to Pakistan, generating approximately $411 million in revenue. Recently, President Zelensky has sought 'security donors' in the Middle East, signing a drone pact with Saudi Arabia, a nation that is already considered a key ally of Pakistan. Just weeks ago, a defense deal was struck between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with Ukraine seizing the opportunity to engage.
Zelensky has formalized a mutually beneficial defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. This is the same Ukraine that once posed a threat to India's security by supplying tanks and missiles to its arch-rival, Pakistan. Now, in its own time of crisis, Ukraine is aligning itself with nations closely associated with Pakistan.
Ukraine's History of Betrayal
Ukraine's history of betrayal is not new. In the 1990s, while India was focused on securing its borders, Ukraine collaborated with Pakistan to enhance its military capabilities. In 1996, Ukraine entered into a significant deal worth $650 million with Pakistan, supplying 320 T-80UD main battle tanks. These tanks remain a backbone of the Pakistani army's armored regiment, stationed along India's western border.
Additionally, Ukraine's Malyshev Plant supplied engines for Pakistan's 'Al-Khalid' tanks. Russia opposed this deal at the time due to the Russian components involved, but Ukraine disregarded India's concerns.
Moreover, in 2022-23, Ukraine secretly bolstered Pakistan's economy by purchasing weapons worth 3000 crores. Pakistan supplied Ukraine with 122mm and 155mm artillery shells, rockets, and small arms.
Ukraine's Betrayal of India
While Ukraine has repeatedly sided with Pakistan, India was the first nation to recognize Ukraine after its separation from the USSR. The two countries were once trade partners, but when India became a nuclear-armed state, Ukraine hesitated to support it, instead siding against India during the nuclear tests.
A New Game with Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, a major financial supporter of Pakistan, has now become a new 'arms market' for Ukraine. Zelensky has signed a defense pact with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in Riyadh. Ukraine has deployed 201 anti-drone specialists to protect Saudi airspace from Iranian drones. Furthermore, Ukraine is sharing its 'interceptor drone' technology with Saudi Arabia to safeguard its oil reserves.
On one hand, Ukraine appeals for assistance from India, while on the other, it forms military alliances with countries that lean towards Pakistan in the India-Pakistan equation.