Nadeem Faisal Baiga
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador Albert P. Khorev delivered a comprehensive briefing on the ongoing situation in and around Ukraine, highlighting recent diplomatic developments, Western actions, and Russia’s position on the conflict.
Ambassador Khorev discussed the December 3 Moscow meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, noting that the five-hour discussion centered on the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. He stressed that while the meeting was constructive, several points remained contentious.
He criticized European governments for resisting realistic diplomatic solutions and for promoting what he termed “quasi-legal structures,” such as the “Register of Damage” and proposed tribunals, calling them “null and void” in Russia’s view. He warned that any Western attempt to seize Russian sovereign assets would amount to “theft” and would be met with a strong response.
Addressing allegations about Ukrainian children, Ambassador Khorev reiterated Russia’s stance that claims of “thousands” of kidnappings have been disproven, stating that only 339 names were provided by Kyiv during bilateral talks.
He highlighted what he described as severe corruption within the Ukrainian leadership, referencing recent investigations and dismissals linked to large-scale embezzlement. He criticized European governments for ignoring these revelations while continuing financial support.
Ambassador Khorev also outlined the economic impact of Western sanctions on global markets, arguing that Europe’s energy break with Russia has weakened its industrial competitiveness and contributed to deindustrialization risks.
He emphasized Russia’s ongoing efforts toward a Eurasian security framework, referencing President Putin’s “Greater Eurasian Partnership” initiative and anti-neocolonial platforms involving Asian, African, and Latin American nations, including Pakistani representation.
Reaffirming that Russia poses no threat to Europe, he cautioned that Russia would respond decisively to any aggression and referenced recently tested advanced non-nuclear weapons systems.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Khorev thanked Pakistan for its consistent policy of neutrality at international forums and its support for diplomatic settlement efforts, aligning with Russia’s approach to resolving the conflict.
