ISLAMABAD (MNN); Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev briefed journalists and guests on developments in and around Ukraine, covering the military, political, economic, legal and information dimensions of the conflict.
The briefing began with a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the Siege of Leningrad, whose 85th anniversary was observed on September 8.
Commenting on Russia’s parliamentary elections held on September 20, Ambassador Khorev said the polls recorded a high turnout despite what he described as external pressure and Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian cities intended to disrupt the electoral process.
The Ambassador described the Ukraine crisis as a broader confrontation between Russia and what he termed the collective West, alleging that Ukraine was being used as a proxy to weaken Russia.
On sanctions, he said Western restrictions had failed to trigger the economic collapse in Russia that their proponents had sought, while creating significant consequences for sanctioning countries and the global economy. He cited estimated EU losses of €1–1.6 trillion from unintended effects of sanctions during 2022–2025 and losses of €400–450 billion for European companies that withdrew from Russia.
According to Ambassador Khorev, sanctions pressure is also accelerating the use of national currencies and the development of alternative financial and trade mechanisms within BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and ASEAN.
The briefing also covered maritime law and freedom of navigation. The Ambassador criticised Western measures targeting what he called the “shadow fleet”, arguing that the term was being used as a pretext for the seizure of Russian vessels. He also expressed concern over what he described as an increase in Ukrainian attacks on civilian vessels in the Black and Azov Seas, warning of potential risks to international shipping.
On food security, Ambassador Khorev highlighted the respective shares of Russia and Ukraine in global wheat exports, saying Ukraine accounts for around 7% while Russia accounts for 23%. He argued that restrictions affecting Russian agricultural exports could have consequences for global food supplies.
Discussing the legal dimension of the conflict, he said Russia does not recognise Western-created compensation mechanisms concerning Ukraine and would not comply with decisions issued by such bodies. He also referred to a June 15, 2026 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which, according to the Ambassador, unanimously rejected several Ukrainian claims, including demands relating to compensation and reparations as well as maritime areas and resources around Crimea and the Sea of Azov.
The Ambassador also discussed the issue of children and the situation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, alleging systematic pressure by Ukrainian authorities against the Church and its members.
Concluding the briefing, Ambassador Khorev said Russia remained committed to a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukraine crisis. He said Moscow had initiated the resumption of negotiations after the process was halted by Kyiv and remained prepared to continue talks while protecting Russia’s national interests.
He further said Russia had no plans for military action against Europe or NATO countries and no reason to escalate tensions with Europe.
Guests also viewed an exhibition titled “Crimean Gold: ‘Civilized’ Europe Plunders Russian Treasures.” Ambassador Khorev said the archaeological collection, comprising artefacts more than 2,000 years old discovered in Crimea and housed in Crimean museums until 2014, should be returned to the peninsula.
