Russian envoy calls for diplomatic Ukraine settlement

Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev on October 1 briefed guests on developments surrounding the Ukraine conflict, outlining Moscow’s positions on the military, political, economic and legal dimensions of the crisis.

The briefing began with a minute of silence for the victims of the Siege of Leningrad, whose 85th anniversary was observed on September 8.

Discussing Russia’s parliamentary elections, Khorev said the September 20 vote recorded high turnout despite what he described as external pressure and Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian cities aimed at disrupting the electoral process.

The ambassador described the Ukraine conflict as a broader confrontation between Russia and Western countries, arguing that Ukraine was being used as a proxy to pressure and weaken Russia. His assessment reflects Moscow’s stated position on the causes and nature of the conflict.

On the economic front, Khorev said Western sanctions had failed to trigger the economic collapse that their proponents had sought. He also claimed that the measures had generated significant costs for European economies and the wider global market.

According to figures presented by the ambassador, unintended effects of sanctions caused cumulative losses of €1 trillion to €1.6 trillion for the European Union between 2022 and 2025. He further estimated that European companies withdrawing from Russia suffered losses of €400 billion to €450 billion.

Khorev said continued sanctions pressure was contributing to greater use of national currencies and encouraging the development of alternative financial and trading mechanisms through organisations including BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and ASEAN.

The briefing also covered maritime security and freedom of navigation. Khorev criticised Western measures targeting vessels described as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet”, while raising concerns about attacks on civilian shipping in the Black and Azov seas. He warned that further escalation could create additional risks for international maritime trade.

The ambassador also highlighted the importance of Russia and Ukraine to global food supplies. Citing figures presented at the briefing, he said Ukraine accounts for around 7% of global wheat exports, compared with 23% for Russia, and argued that restrictions affecting Russian agricultural exports could have consequences for global food security.

On the legal front, Khorev said Russia does not recognise Western-backed mechanisms established to address compensation for Ukraine and would not implement decisions issued by such bodies. He also referred to a June 15, 2026 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, saying the tribunal unanimously rejected several Ukrainian claims, including claims relating to compensation and reparations and maritime areas and resources connected to Crimea and the Sea of Azov.

The ambassador also discussed the treatment of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and what he described as pressure by Ukrainian authorities against the Church and its members.

Khorev reiterated Moscow’s stated commitment to resolving the Ukraine crisis through political and diplomatic means. He said Russia had supported the resumption of negotiations after the process was halted by Kyiv and remained prepared to continue talks while safeguarding what Moscow considers its national interests.

He also rejected suggestions that Russia was preparing military action against European or NATO countries, saying Moscow had no such plans or reason to escalate tensions with Europe.