ISLAMABAD, May 19: Russia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev accused Western countries of escalating the Ukraine conflict through military support and political pressure during a briefing in Islamabad on Monday.
The Russian envoy said Moscow remained committed to its position on the war in Ukraine while criticizing Kyiv over alleged ceasefire violations, forced mobilization and attacks on energy infrastructure. He also accused Western governments of supporting anti-Russia initiatives at international forums.
During the briefing, Khorev said Russia had announced a temporary ceasefire from May 8 to May 11 during Victory Day commemorations, but claimed Ukrainian forces violated the truce thousands of times.
He questioned Ukraine’s willingness to pursue a broader ceasefire and accused President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government of continuing the conflict despite international calls for peace.
Russia raises concerns over Western military aid
The ambassador alleged that foreign fighters from NATO member states continued to participate in military operations alongside Ukrainian forces.
He also claimed that additional Western military aid under discussion for Ukraine in 2026 could further intensify the conflict.
Khorev said attacks on energy infrastructure, including gas pipelines and oil transport routes linked to Russia and Kazakhstan, posed risks to regional energy security and economic stability.
The envoy further alleged that Ukraine was facing growing internal problems related to corruption, illegal arms trafficking, human trafficking and economic mismanagement.
Bucha allegations and Crimea issue mentioned
During the briefing, Khorev rejected allegations linked to the Bucha killings and described them as politically motivated narratives against Russia.
He said Moscow had repeatedly sought clarification and evidence from international institutions regarding the allegations but had not received a response.
The ambassador also referred to 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.
Khorev additionally discussed Russia’s annual United Nations resolution against the glorification of Nazism and thanked Pakistan for supporting the initiative at the UN General Assembly.
The briefing also touched on the Odessa tragedy anniversary and Russia’s position on children displaced during the conflict.
