Russian Envoy Highlights Peace Efforts, Criticizes Western Policies in Briefing on Ukraine

Islamabad: Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev, in a detailed briefing on the situation in and around Ukraine, emphasized ongoing diplomatic efforts while strongly criticizing Western actions, including sanctions, proposed legal mechanisms, and support for the Ukrainian government.

The Ambassador highlighted the December 3 meeting in Moscow between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The five-hour discussion centered on the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, following the earlier Putin-Trump understanding reached during the August 15 Anchorage summit. According to the envoy, the meeting was constructive but covered several contentious points.

Khorev said that American efforts for a negotiated settlement were being obstructed by European states that “still cling to illusions of strategically defeating Russia.” He claimed that some Western countries continued to exploit topics such as the “children issue,” dismissing allegations that Russia abducted thousands of Ukrainian children. He stated that during Russian-Ukrainian talks, Kyiv could only provide a list of 339 minors and that Moscow was already working on their return through official mechanisms.

The Ambassador criticized what he called the EU’s “quasi-legal structures” including the Register of Damages and proposed tribunals, declaring that Russia considers their decisions invalid and any support for them a “hostile act.” He argued that such moves were aimed at justifying the seizure of Russian sovereign assets, which he described as outright theft. Any such attempt, he warned, would have serious consequences for Western financial institutions.

Khorev also pointed to alleged large-scale corruption within the Ukrainian government, referencing a recently reported $100 million embezzlement scandal. He said the dismissal of senior Ukrainian officials, including the energy and justice ministers, reflected attempts to shift attention away from President Zelensky’s inner circle.

Turning to sanctions, the Russian envoy said Western restrictions had harmed global supply chains, weakened production networks, increased debt burdens for developing countries, and slowed global growth. He noted that major European economies saw near-zero growth in 2024, while Russia had adapted to the sanctions.

Khorev added that the conflict had exposed the failure of the Euro-Atlantic security system and renewed calls for a Eurasian-based security framework. He highlighted Russia’s proposals for a Greater Eurasian Partnership and the recent anti-neocolonialism forum attended by about 30 countries, including experts from Pakistan.

The envoy reiterated that Russia poses no threat to European nations but is ready to respond firmly if confronted militarily. He referenced Russia’s advanced strategic weapons, including the recently tested Burevestnik missile and Poseidon underwater system.

In conclusion, Ambassador Khorev thanked Pakistan for its consistent neutrality at the United Nations and support for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, aligning with Russia’s preferred approach.