Islamabad, March 17,2026: Russia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Albert P. Khorev, on Tuesday said Moscow remains open to a negotiated settlement of the Ukraine conflict, while asserting that the crisis is part of a broader geopolitical confrontation shaping a new global order.
Addressing a briefing, the envoy described the ongoing war as an indirect standoff between Russia and the “collective West,” rather than a bilateral conflict with Ukraine. He said the situation has become a catalyst for the emergence of a multipolar world that could redefine the global balance of power for years.
Khorev claimed that the battlefield situation currently favors Russian forces, alleging that Ukrainian troops have intensified attacks on civilian targets and infrastructure. He cited recent incidents, including a reported missile strike on the Russian city of Bryansk earlier this month.
The ambassador stated that despite the escalation, Russia is willing to pursue diplomatic solutions. He noted that multiple rounds of talks had taken place in 2026, including meetings in Abu Dhabi and Geneva, alongside recent prisoner exchanges mediated by international partners.
At the same time, he reiterated Moscow’s position that any ceasefire must address what it considers the “root causes” of the conflict, including NATO expansion and issues concerning Russian-speaking populations in eastern Ukraine.
Khorev also raised concerns about the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, accusing Ukrainian forces of repeated shelling, and criticized Kyiv over alleged disruptions to energy infrastructure, including the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Referring to strategic stability, the envoy pointed to the expiration of the New START and said Russia would act cautiously while reviewing its future policy on nuclear arms control, while remaining open to dialogue with the United States.
He further accused Western countries of waging a disinformation campaign against Russia and criticized European efforts to utilize frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction, warning that Moscow could respond through legal and other means.
The ambassador also highlighted humanitarian issues, including the exchange and reunification of children affected by the conflict, and condemned recent attacks on Russian commercial vessels, describing them as violations of international law.
Concluding his remarks, Khorev emphasized Russia’s vision for a cooperative Eurasian security framework and expressed hope that Pakistan would continue to play a balanced role and support initiatives aimed at fostering regional stability.
