ISLAMABAD — Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to Russia Ukraine peace talks, while accusing Kiev of violating ceasefires and obstructing meaningful negotiations. During a media briefing in Islamabad, Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev outlined Moscow’s position on the conflict and criticized Western policies for fueling instability.
Russia Ukraine Peace Talks Resume but Stall
According to Khorev, President Vladimir Putin resumed direct talks with Ukraine in May 2025, ending a long pause since April 2022. Although three rounds of negotiations led to prisoner exchanges, broader progress stalled. Khorev attributed the deadlock to Kiev’s refusal to discuss technical ceasefire arrangements.
He cited multiple violations of temporary truces earlier this year. These included strikes on energy infrastructure in March, breaches of the Easter ceasefire in April, and rejection of a proposed pause during May’s Victory Day commemorations.
“Calls for a full ceasefire sound hollow when limited humanitarian truces are not respected,” Khorev told reporters.
Western Support and Strategic Concerns
Khorev alleged that Ukraine and its European allies exploited ceasefires to regroup and rearm with Western assistance. He pointed to $70.2 billion in military and financial support provided to Kiev since the start of Russia’s “special military operation.”
In addition, he drew parallels with the 2015 Minsk agreements, which he claimed Ukraine used to strengthen its military posture rather than pursue peace. Any future agreement, he warned, must avoid repeating “the mistakes of Donbass.”
Regarding a potential summit between Presidents Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, Khorev dismissed the idea. He argued that Zelensky—whose term officially ended in May 2024—seeks to “legitimize himself through showmanship.” Moscow, he emphasized, remains focused on substantive dialogue, not political theatrics.
Progress Claimed in Russia Ukraine Peace Talks
Despite limited breakthroughs, Khorev listed several “concrete achievements” since May:
- Exchange of over 1,000 prisoners of war
- Transfer of remains of more than 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers
- Verification of lists related to children evacuated from conflict zones
- Agreement to form a joint working group on ceasefire mechanisms
Additionally, he accused Kiev of carrying out “terrorist acts,” citing railway bridge explosions in Bryansk and Kursk that killed seven civilians in late May and early June.
Criticism of Ukrainian Legislation and Governance
Khorev strongly condemned a Ukrainian law on historical memory passed in August. The legislation bans Soviet-era symbols and the term “Great Patriotic War.” He claimed it promotes Russophobia, glorifies Nazi collaborators, and violates both Ukraine’s constitution and international human rights conventions.
He further alleged that martial law, introduced in 2022, enabled the creation of an authoritarian system marked by censorship, suppression of opposition, and forced mobilization.
UN Diplomacy and Global Response
Turning to the international stage, Khorev argued that most countries oppose the “glorification of Nazism.” He noted that 119 states—including Pakistan—supported a Russian resolution at the UN in 2024.
He accused the UN Secretariat of bias, claiming it selectively applies Charter principles under Western influence. Moreover, he compared the UN’s stance on Ukraine with its approach to the Middle East, stating that criticism of the U.S. and Israel is often avoided while Russia faces disproportionate scrutiny.
Russia’s Position on NATO and Europe
Khorev welcomed the recent Alaska meeting between Presidents Putin and Donald Trump, saying both leaders showed a willingness to compromise. He praised Washington’s acknowledgment of NATO’s role in escalating the conflict and its recognition of referendums held in Russian-controlled territories.
Nevertheless, he warned that any NATO or EU military presence in Ukraine is “unacceptable.” He accused Kiev and European states of sabotaging peace efforts by creating new funding and training structures.
Khorev also dismissed claims of Russian drones entering Polish airspace earlier this month. He called the reports “exaggerated” and said they were aimed at fueling anti-Russian sentiment. He reiterated that Moscow does not seek confrontation with NATO members.
Pakistan’s Neutral Role in Russia Ukraine Peace Talks
In closing, Khorev thanked Pakistan for maintaining neutrality despite external pressure. He praised Islamabad’s consistent support for diplomatic solutions at the UN, noting that it aligns with Russia’s position on seeking a negotiated settlement.
“Russia remains open to meaningful dialogue,” Khorev said. “But peace must be built on addressing the root causes of the conflict—not political showmanship or external interference.”
