Can't condone Russia, stand by Ukraine: General Bajwa

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday gave voice to "Pakistan's serious concern" over the war in Ukraine, saying Russia might have legitimate security concerns but its aggression against a smaller country could not be condoned.
"Russia's invasion of Ukraine was very unfortunate as thousands of people have been killed, millions made refugees and half of Ukraine destroyed," he said, taking a stand opposite to embattled PM Imran Khan's steadfast refusal to do the West's bidding and denounce Russia.
Gen Bajwa warned that the continuation of the conflict would not serve the interests of any side, least of all developing countries bearing the socio-economic costs of a war that could still “easily get out of hand".
On Ukraine not throwing in the towel more than a month after the fighting started, the general said the country's military response had given hope to smaller countries that they could defend their territory with smaller but agile forces along with modernisation of equipment.
He said Pakistan had excellent "defence and economic ties with Ukraine" while relations with Russia, which PM Imran visited even as the war started, were "cold" for a long time because of numerous reasons. He hastened to add that some positive developments in this regard had taken place recently.
Gen Bajwa said Pakistan had despatched humanitarian assistance to Ukraine through Pakistan Air Force planes and would continue to do.