Russian ambassador informs the media of the Ukraine conflict and President Putin’s possible visit to Pakistan.
Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev discussed the current situation regarding Ukraine and Western participation, emphasizing the prospects for diplomatic responses to the conflict.
He had a press briefing and engaged with diplomatic journalists at the Russian Embassy in Islamabad. He also remarked on the connections between Russia and Pakistan, as well as the potential for high-level visits.
Fundamental Causes of the Ukraine Conflict
Ambassador Khorev emphasized that the situation in Ukraine transcends regional significance, representing a larger geopolitical struggle between Russia and the West. He charged Western nations with disregarding Russia’s security apprehensions, advancing NATO’s eastern expansion, and incorporating Ukraine into an anti-Russian coalition.
He asserts that the 2014 political upheaval in Kyiv was planned by Western powers to empower nationalist factions, resulting in widespread human rights abuses against Russian-speaking populations and the veneration of Nazi war criminals from World War II.
According to sources, the United States may restrict Ukraine’s access to Starlink internet services due to mineral concerns.
“Ukraine has been transformed into a platform for combating Russia and poses a significant threat to our security,” he stated, rationalizing Russia’s choice to initiate a “special military operation” on February 24, 2022.
Present Military Status
He reported that Russian forces have seized control of 75% of the Donetsk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson areas, and 99% of the Luhansk region. He asserted that 63% of the Kursk area, purportedly conquered by Ukraine in August 2024, had been recaptured by Russian forces.
He charged the Ukrainian military with perpetrating atrocities against people, specifically in Selidovo and Russkoe Porechnoye, where he said that 22 civilians were slain, with indications of torture and sexual assault on 11 women.
He asserted that the initiative on the battlefield is wholly under the control of the Russian military, highlighting their continuous advances.
Function of the West
Ambassador Khorev condemned the “collective West” for exacerbating the conflict by providing financial and military assistance beyond $350 billion. He referenced NATO’s recent military support initiatives for Ukraine, specifically the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) in Germany and the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Center (JATEC) in Poland.
He asserted that although several Western leaders acknowledge the ineffectiveness of additional military assistance, the Biden administration persists un its commitment to intensifying the battle.
Prospects for Peace and Mediation Initiatives
Ambassador Khorev emphasized Russia’s willingness to engage in diplomacy, citing President Vladimir Putin’s peace proposals from June 2024, which entail Ukraine’s withdrawal from recently annexed Russian territories, Ukraine’s non-NATO status, the removal of Western sanctions, and assurances for the rights of Russian-speaking citizens.
He recognized the diplomatic endeavors of China, Brazil, and many African countries to address the problem, articulating Moscow’s endorsement of proposals grounded in international law, a repudiation of Cold War ideologies, and a stance against unilateral sanctions.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the political and military leadership of Pakistan for its steadfast stance of neutrality concerning the conflict in Ukraine,” he added.
Russia-Pakistan Relations and Putin’s Visit
Ambassador Khorev responded to a journalist’s inquiry concerning talk of a possible visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pakistan.
“I want to thank Pakistan’s political and military leadership for maintaining a consistent position of non-intervention in the Ukraine conflict,” he said.
He elucidated that President Putin’s travel to Pakistan is unrelated to the circumstances in Ukraine, although underscored that such a visit necessitates meticulous preparation.
We desire that any visit by the Russian President to any nation be thoroughly organized. Prior to such a visit, there must be concrete advancements in bilateral collaboration. When the foundation of cooperation is strong, a visit by the Russian President to Pakistan will also take place,” he stated.
Meeting Between Putin and Trump Not Scheduled in the Near Future
Ambassador Khorev also ruled out the likelihood of a meeting between President Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump before the end of February, noting that such a high-level dialogue necessitates much preparatory work.
A meeting between Trump and Putin necessitates comprehensive preparation, which may occupy considerable time. He noted that the end of February is imminent and much has to be accomplished, so dismissing the prospect of a rapid engagement between the two leaders.
Anticipated Observances
Concluding the briefing, Ambassador Khorev announced plans for an upcoming event marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II and the founding of the United Nations, scheduled tentatively for April.
“This year signifies two important anniversaries, and we plan to celebrate our collective triumph over Nazism,” he declared.
The briefing underscored Russia’s firm stance on the Ukraine conflict, its military operations, diplomatic outreach, and its evolving relationship with Pakistan and the West.