Ambassador Khorev noted that Pakistan has not yet formally approached Russia for the purchase of Russian oil. However, he indicated openness to future discussions, stating there is a possibility that Pakistan could seek Russian energy supplies to meet its growing needs, especially given Russia’s reliable export capacity and competitive pricing

Ansar Mahmood Bhatti

ISLAMABAD: The Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Albert P. Khorev, held a press briefing at the Russian Embassy in Islamabad, addressing a range of regional and international issues amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and ongoing global conflicts.

Ambassador Khorev accused the United States and Israel of actively attempting to sow disorder and division among Muslim countries through provocative actions and policies that exacerbate regional instability. He emphasized that such efforts undermine peace and unity in the Muslim world, calling on all parties to exercise restraint.

On the Gulf crisis, the ambassador stated that Russia seeks an immediate end to the escalating tensions. He urged all involved nations to prioritize diplomatic channels and dialogue to resolve disputes peacefully, warning that continued confrontation could lead to broader instability with severe consequences for global security.

Regarding recent attacks on Iran, Ambassador Khorev described them as baseless and unjustified, particularly in light of clear statements from the IAEA Director General affirming that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons development.

 He reiterated Russia’s support for Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy under international safeguards and condemned any military actions that violate sovereignty.

Shifting to Afghanistan, the ambassador stressed that outstanding issues should be addressed exclusively through diplomatic channels. He highlighted the high risk of civilian casualties in any air strikes or military escalations, advocating for inclusive negotiations involving all stakeholders to ensure lasting stability.

On energy cooperation, Ambassador Khorev noted that Pakistan has not yet formally approached Russia for the purchase of Russian oil. However, he indicated openness to future discussions, stating there is a possibility that Pakistan could seek Russian energy supplies to meet its growing needs, especially given Russia’s reliable export capacity and competitive pricing.

Addressing the Ukraine conflict, the ambassador asserted that Russian military forces are in a significantly stronger position compared to Ukrainian forces. He described Russia’s actions as responsible and measured, despite massive financial and military support from Europe and the United States—amounting to billions of dollars and euros poured into Ukraine.

According to him, this extensive aid has failed to alter the battlefield dynamics meaningfully, underscoring the futility of prolonging the conflict through external intervention.

He added, as hadbeen noted on numerous occasions, Russia did not view the conflict in Ukraine as a standoff between Russia and Ukraine, but rather as an indirect confrontation with the “collective West,” which refuses to accept the loss of a world order based on colonial principles and Western dominance. Clearly, the conflict in Ukraine has become a powerful catalyst for a new multipolar world, the outcome of which will influence the global balance of power for years to come.

‘In my article published on February 24, 2026, in the Pakistani press on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the launch of the special military operation in Ukraine, I described in detail the root causes of the crisis, as well as Russia’s peacekeeping efforts between 2014 and 2022. These causes include the Kiev regime’s determination to forcibly reintegrate Donbass at any cost, guided by the principle that “land is more important than people,” and against the will of the Russian- speaking residents of the region. I recommend reading it’, he added.

The ambassador said, the Alaska Summit was one of the few constructive moments of cooperation between the two largest nuclear powers, who bear a special responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.

‘Despite enormous external pressure, our Pakistani colleagues have maintained a balanced and consistent stance on the Ukrainian conflict. We hope they will join us in drafting this strategic document, which is intended to establish the political and legal foundation for an indivisible continental security architecture and a system of cooperation across Eurasia’, the ambassador concluded.