ISLAMABAD: Russia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev on Tuesday reiterated Moscow’s commitment to a diplomatic solution in Ukraine, while accusing Kyiv and its Western allies of “obstructing” meaningful peace efforts.
Speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad, Khorev claimed that President Vladimir Putin had resumed direct negotiations with Ukraine in May 2025, but “despite three rounds of talks, Ukraine refused to engage seriously on key technical details for a ceasefire.”
The envoy alleged that Kyiv and its backers were “not interested in real peace,” instead using temporary ceasefires to “regroup and rearm.” He cited European Union military and financial assistance to Ukraine exceeding $70 billion since the war began.
“Ceasefires are being exploited by Ukraine and its sponsors,” he said. “We’ve seen this pattern before, calls for peace only to gain time for rearmament.”
Khorev also accused Ukrainian forces of violating multiple temporary truces this year, including “nearly 4,900 breaches during the Easter ceasefire alone.”
No Putin-Zelensky summit
Addressing speculation over a potential summit between President Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Khorev dismissed the possibility.
“Zelensky’s term expired in May 2024. A summit must conclude a peace process, not initiate one,” he said. “Until Kyiv abandons its neo-Nazi policies, stops persecuting Russian-speaking communities, and halts NATO expansion onto Ukrainian territory, peace will remain elusive.”
Prisoner exchange and children’s allegations
Khorev acknowledged recent progress in humanitarian matters, including prisoner exchanges and repatriation of remains.
“Over 1,000 prisoners have been exchanged in recent months, and a working group for ceasefire verification is under discussion,” he noted.
He also rejected Ukrainian claims that thousands of children had been abducted by Russia. “Only 339 names have been submitted through official negotiators. The rest is misinformation,” he said.
Criticism of Ukrainian laws
Khorev strongly criticized new Ukrainian legislation banning Soviet-era symbols and the term “Great Patriotic War,” calling it “a violation of Ukraine’s own constitution and international conventions.”
“Such laws are an attempt to erase history and impose a revisionist narrative. Under martial law, Ukraine has descended into authoritarianism, censorship, and a crackdown on civil liberties,” he claimed.
Remarks on the UN
The Russian envoy also criticized the United Nations Secretariat, accusing it of bias.
“The UN under Secretary-General António Guterres has consistently adopted anti-Russian positions while remaining silent on U.S. actions in Israel and the occupied territories,” Khorev said.
He added that Russia, alongside partners like Pakistan, would continue to challenge “racist and neo-colonial approaches” in global institutions.
Relations with Pakistan
Khorev praised Islamabad’s neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict and its call for dialogue.
“Pakistan strongly supports a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, a position that aligns with Russia’s stance,” he said. “We are grateful for Pakistan’s balanced and independent foreign policy despite external pressure.”
He also welcomed the recently announced Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense agreement, calling it a positive development for regional stability.
“Russia appreciates Pakistan’s efforts to build strategic partnerships and promote dialogue over confrontation,” he added.
Drone incursions denied
Responding to reports of alleged Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, Khorev denied any aggressive intent.
“Moscow has no interest in escalating tensions with NATO. We are open to bilateral consultations to prove these allegations are unfounded,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Khorev reaffirmed Russia’s openness to dialogue with “any nation genuinely interested in peace and stability.”
