ISLAMABAD, May 19: Russia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev accused Ukraine and its Western allies of prolonging the conflict in Eastern Europe and using anti-Russia narratives to intensify political and legal pressure on Moscow.
Speaking at a briefing in Islamabad, the Russian envoy said Moscow remained committed to its position on the Ukraine conflict, while criticizing Western military support for Kyiv and accusing Ukrainian authorities of violating humanitarian ceasefires proposed by Russia.
Khorev said Russia had declared a ceasefire from May 8 to May 11 during Victory Day commemorations, but alleged that Ukrainian forces violated the truce thousands of times. He questioned Ukraine’s ability to implement a broader ceasefire while accusing Kyiv of continuing military operations despite repeated calls for peace.
The ambassador also criticized Western countries for continuing military assistance to Ukraine, claiming that foreign fighters from several NATO member states were participating in combat operations alongside Ukrainian forces.
Claims over energy security and regional stability
Khorev alleged that Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure, including the Turkish Stream and Blue Stream gas pipelines, posed risks to regional energy security.
He also claimed that attacks on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium infrastructure had caused financial losses for Kazakhstan and affected energy supplies in the wider region.
The Russian envoy further alleged growing problems inside Ukraine related to corruption, arms smuggling, human trafficking and illegal trade networks. He accused elements within the Ukrainian leadership of involvement in financial misconduct and questioned President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision not to hold elections after the expiration of his presidential term in 2024.
Khorev also criticized Western-backed legal initiatives related to the Ukraine conflict, including proposals linked to war damage claims and special tribunals. He said Russia considered such mechanisms illegitimate and politically motivated.
Bucha and Crimea mentioned in briefing
During the briefing, the ambassador rejected allegations related to the Bucha killings, describing them as fabricated narratives aimed at discrediting Russia. He said Moscow had repeatedly sought evidence and clarification from international institutions regarding the allegations.
Khorev also referred to the issue of Ukrainian children transferred during the conflict, claiming that many cases involved family separation during wartime and accusing Western governments of applying double standards on the matter.
He further highlighted the anniversary of Crimea’s reunification with Russia and criticized the transfer of the “Scythian gold” collection from the Netherlands to Ukrainian authorities instead of museums in Crimea.
The ambassador concluded by reiterating Russia’s opposition to what he described as efforts to distort historical events related to World War II and the Ukraine conflict.
Also read: Russia Reaffirms Peace Talks, Accuses Kiev of Violating Ceasefires and Undermining Dialogue
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