Ukraine and Russia tensions escalate. Russia has recognized the territory of eastern Ukraine and ordered the deployment of troops in rebel-held areas.

The United States and Britain are announcing additional sanctions against Russia after Russia recognized the Donetsk and Luhansk territories in eastern Ukraine as independent states.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has left for a two-day visit to Russia on Wednesday. The visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan is considered important in the context of ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

This is a historic visit to Russia by Prime Minister. PM Imran Khan visited Russia at the invitation of Russian President Putin. Khan-Putin meeting is scheduled for Thursday. 

A wide-ranging exchange of views on major regional & international issues, including Islamophobia & the situation in Afghanistan will take place. Meeting to review the entire array of relations between the two countries, including energy cooperation, trade.

Pakistan’s PM’s visit to Russia become a talk of the town after developments yesterday, Russia recognizing independence of certain areas of Ukraine and moving in peacekeepers, as the West prepares sanctions on Russia.


In Diplomacy, timing is everything, the majority are thinking that it could be the bad timing

"80's mindset in 2022"

NATO is too afraid to offer Ukraine membership, Germany not selling weapons, Europe itself is one of the largest Russian gas importers, Italy's 40% gas comes from Russia. US not sanctioning India for Russian S-400 but "Past allies".

There is an attempt to frame the PM’s trip to Russia under "bloc politics" discourse suggesting that somehow it is "poorly timed". 


Truth is, Washington & its experts are triggered over how Pakistan could pursue its national interest. Turns out, it very well can.

In reality, PM's trip to Russia was long due & has little to do with the current crisis or the US. 


Over the years, Pak & Russia have developed a healthy security relationship that is being scaled up to include an economic partnership. To cancel the trip then is a statement.

Regardless, as the US has clearly shown that Pakistan is not a "priority" country, I believe such trips shouldn't be a cause of worry. 


The way to win hearts and minds in Pakistan is not through aid but by giving due respect and courtesy. 

Russia has that figured out about our parts of the world.

Imran Khan's visit to Russia




So far so good Imran Khan doesn't give any clues to 'rented lobbyists' to make Russia visit controversial.

Imran Khan needs to be careful when he speaks extempore, especially in his scheduled interviews.