The war between Ukraine and Russia has drawn foreign volunteers from around the world, including countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Many individuals from these nations have expressed a strong desire to join Ukraine's International Legion and fight alongside Ukrainian forces. However, their journey to Ukraine has been fraught with bureaucratic hurdles, primarily due to the lack of direct flights and the difficulty in obtaining transit visas from European countries like Poland, Romania, and Hungary. Several Pakistani citizens who applied to join the Ukrainian military received invitation letters after online interviews with the International Legion of Ukraine. Some even managed to secure Ukrainian visas. However, their struggle did not end there. With no direct flights to Ukraine, they needed transit visas from neighboring European countries. Unfortunately, these visas have not been issued by the respective embassies in Islamabad, effectively blocking their travel to Ukraine. Poland, Romania, and Hungary have publicly positioned themselves as strong allies of Ukraine, frequently expressing solidarity through diplomatic visits and statements. Their leaders often meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, vowing support for Ukraine’s war effort. However, their refusal to facilitate the arrival of foreign volunteers raises questions about the sincerity of their commitment. If these countries were genuinely invested in Ukraine’s defense, they would streamline the process for volunteers who have already been vetted by Ukrainian authorities. This Diplomatic / bureaucratic deadlock suggests two possible explanations. First, European countries might be reluctant to escalate tensions with Russia by allowing an influx of foreign fighters into Ukraine. Despite their public stance against Russian aggression, they may be wary of direct confrontation. Second, it is possible that these countries have grown weary of the prolonged conflict and are subtly distancing themselves from Ukraine. Interestingly, while Ukraine-bound volunteers face obstacles, those seeking to join the Russian side encounter fewer difficulties. Russia maintains direct flight connections with several countries, including Pakistan, making travel to Russia significantly easier. Furthermore, sources suggest that the Russian Embassy in Islamabad has pressured Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry to prevent its citizens from joining Ukraine’s forces. This has reportedly led to Pakistan requesting European embassies to deny transit visas to individuals traveling to Ukraine for military purposes. Ukraine’s embassy in Islamabad has remained silent on this issue, raising further concerns about whether Kyiv is actively advocating for its foreign volunteers. If Ukrainian authorities were serious about enlisting international fighters, they would likely push for diplomatic solutions to ease their travel restrictions. The reluctance of Poland, Romania, and Hungary to grant transit visas could indicate that Russia’s influence over Europe is stronger than it appears. Despite years of sanctions and political posturing, many European nations still depend on Russian energy and fear the consequences of provoking Moscow. If Europe were truly committed to Ukraine’s cause, these transit visa issues would have been resolved swiftly, or at least official guidelines would have been published for volunteers. As the war drags on, European countries may be reevaluating their role. The once-unified front against Russia appears to be fracturing, with certain nations hesitating to take concrete steps in support of Ukraine. The visa dilemma faced by foreign volunteers is just one example of how European support for Ukraine may be more rhetorical than practical. With Donald Trump set to take office in the United States, many in Ukraine and Europe are hopeful that he might play a decisive role in ending the war. However, in the immediate future, there are no clear indications that he will prioritize Ukraine’s interests. If anything, his past statements suggest he may adopt a more cautious approach, potentially pressuring Kyiv into negotiations with Moscow rather than escalating military support. For now, Ukraine remains heavily dependent on Western aid, but the cracks in European solidarity are becoming more evident. Whether this is due to fear of Russia, war fatigue, or shifting political priorities, one thing is clear: the visa issue is a small but telling sign that Ukraine may not be able to count on its allies as much as it once believed. If this trend continues, Ukraine may find itself increasingly isolated, forced to confront Russia without the full backing of the West. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Europe truly stands with Ukraine—or if its support has always been conditional.
The writer is a senior Journalist He can be reached at [email protected]