Russia has expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s neutral stance on the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, Albert P. Khorev, acknowledged the efforts of the Global South, including Pakistan, in seeking a non-military resolution to the crisis.
Addressing a press conference at the Russian Embassy in Islamabad, Khorev emphasized that countries such as China, Brazil, and several African states have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical significance of the Ukraine conflict and the necessity of considering Russia’s security interests.
Support for Diplomatic Solutions
The ambassador reiterated Russia’s support for peaceful negotiations. He commended various international proposals that advocate respect for international law, rejection of Cold War mentalities, and opposition to unilateral sanctions.
“I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank the political and military leadership of Pakistan for its consistent neutrality regarding the conflict in Ukraine,” said Khorev.
Global Diplomatic Efforts
Khorev highlighted the inaugural meeting of the “Group of Friends of Peace in Ukraine,” initiated by China and Brazil in New York last September. According to him, Russia recognizes the sincere efforts of this group in promoting a diplomatic resolution.
He stressed the importance of the United Nations Charter in guiding international discussions. He argued that any conversation on territorial integrity should not be isolated from the right to self-determination and protection of human rights.
U.S.-Russia Negotiations Underway
The Russian envoy also commented on the recent diplomatic engagements between Russia and the United States under the administration of Donald Trump. He noted that Moscow values Trump’s commitment to resolving the Ukraine crisis through diplomatic means.
“We positively assess the recent contacts with representatives of the new U.S. administration: the telephone conversation between President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump on February 12, the discussion between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 15, and the Russia-U.S. talks in Riyadh on February 18,” he said.
As a result of these interactions, both nations agreed to establish a permanent communication mechanism for the normalization of diplomatic missions, removal of trade barriers, and the facilitation of investment cooperation. Additionally, both sides launched a separate negotiation track dedicated to resolving the Ukraine conflict.
Russia’s Military Advances and Position on Peace
Khorev provided updates on the military situation, stating that Russian forces have secured control over significant portions of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson regions. He further claimed that Russian troops had regained control over approximately 63% of the Kursk region, which was allegedly invaded by Ukrainian forces last August.
Despite these military advancements, the Russian ambassador reiterated Moscow’s willingness to engage in peace talks. He referenced a proposal put forward by President Vladimir Putin in June 2024, outlining key conditions for a lasting resolution. The conditions include:
- Withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Russian-claimed regions.
- Recognition of new territorial boundaries.
- Ukraine’s commitment to remaining outside NATO.
- Lifting of all Western sanctions against Russia.
- Full protection of rights for Ukraine’s Russian-speaking population.
Russia’s Perspective on the Conflict’s Origins
The ambassador argued that the Ukraine conflict extends beyond regional disputes and is part of a broader geopolitical struggle between Russia and the West. He criticized Western policies, citing the expansion of NATO and Ukraine’s increasing alignment with Euro-Atlantic strategies as primary causes of the ongoing tensions.
“The opponent’s countries deliberately ignored Russia’s security concerns, pursued a policy of continuous eastward expansion, and dragged Ukraine into the Euro-Atlantic anti-Russian camp,” he stated.
As Russia continues its military operations, it remains open to diplomatic negotiations. The Kremlin asserts that any peace agreement should go beyond temporary ceasefires and focus on establishing long-term regional security.
With global powers increasingly involved in mediation efforts, Pakistan’s neutrality in the Ukraine conflict is being recognized as a valuable stance in fostering diplomatic solutions.
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