ISLAMABAD, Oct 1: Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev on Wednesday briefed journalists and guests on developments in and around Ukraine, covering the military, political, economic, legal and informational 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.Speaking about Russia’s parliamentary elections held on September 20, Ambassador Khorev said the vote witnessed record turnout despite what he described as external pressure and Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian cities aimed at disrupting the electoral process.On the Ukraine conflict, the Ambassador described the crisis as a broader confrontation between Russia and Western countries, arguing that Ukraine was being used as a proxy to weaken Russia.Discussing the economic impact of sanctions, Ambassador Khorev said Western restrictions had failed to bring about the economic collapse in Russia that their proponents had sought.
He claimed the measures had instead caused significant economic consequences for sanctioning countries and the wider global economy.According to figures cited by the Ambassador, the European Union incurred cumulative losses of €1–1.6 trillion from the unintended effects of sanctions between 2022 and 2025, while European companies that ended their operations in Russia suffered losses estimated at €400–450 billion.He said continued sanctions pressure was accelerating the use of national currencies in international settlements and encouraging the development of alternative financial and trade mechanisms within BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and ASEAN.The Ambassador also raised concerns over maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Black and Azov Seas. He criticized Western measures targeting what is described as Russia’s “shadow fleet,” calling the term an artificial concept used to justify measures against Russian vessels.Ambassador Khorev further expressed concern over attacks on civilian vessels, warning that continued escalation could create risks for international shipping.Referring to global food security, he highlighted the respective shares of Russia and Ukraine in global wheat exports, stating that Ukraine accounts for around 7 percent while Russia accounts for about 23 percent. He argued that restrictions affecting Russian agricultural exports could have implications for global food supplies.On the legal aspects of the conflict, Ambassador Khorev said Russia does not recognize Western-created mechanisms for compensation related to 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 concerning the Russia-Ukraine dispute, saying the tribunal unanimously rejected a number of Ukraine’s claims, including claims related to compensation and reparations as well as maritime areas and resources involving Crimea and the Sea of Azov.The Ambassador also discussed the situation concerning Ukrainian children and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, alleging systematic pressure by Ukrainian authorities against the Church and its members.Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Khorev said Russia remained committed to a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
He said Moscow was ready to continue negotiations while taking into account what it considers its national interests.The Ambassador also stated that Russia was not preparing for military action against Europe or NATO countries and had no plans to escalate tensions with European states.The briefing also featured an exhibition titled “Crimean Gold: ‘Civilized’ Europe Plunders Russian Treasures.” Ambassador Khorev said Russia considered the archaeological collection, comprising artifacts more than 2,000 years old discovered in Crimea and held in Crimean museums until 2014, should be returned to the peninsula.
