Russia Views Ukraine Conflict as Confrontation with ‘Collective West,’ Says Ambassador Khorev
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Ambassador Albert P. Khorev has stated that Russia considers the ongoing conflict in and around Ukraine not merely a bilateral standoff, but an indirect confrontation with what he described as the “collective West,” emphasizing that the outcome will significantly shape the global balance of power for years to come.
In a detailed briefing, the ambassador asserted that the situation along the front line remains favorable for Russian forces. He alleged that as Ukrainian troops face setbacks, attacks on civilians and infrastructure have increased, citing the March 10 shelling of Bryansk with British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles as one of the most serious incidents.
According to Khorev, Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory surged dramatically in 2025, surpassing 130,000 attacks, resulting in at least 1,065 deaths, including 293 children.
Despite the escalation, the ambassador reiterated that Russia remains open to a negotiated settlement. He noted that three rounds of trilateral peace talks have already been held in 2026, with some humanitarian progress achieved. However, he stressed that any resolution would require Ukraine to recognize the will of the people in Donbass and withdraw its forces from the region.
Khorev underscored that Moscow opposes any ceasefire that fails to address what it sees as the root causes of the crisis, including NATO’s eastward expansion, alleged discrimination against Russian-speaking populations, and actions against the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine.
He also raised concerns over the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, accusing Ukrainian forces of repeatedly shelling critical infrastructure at the site. Similar concerns were expressed regarding disruptions to the Druzhba oil pipeline, with Russia accusing Kyiv of halting oil transit and restricting international inspections.
On broader strategic issues, Khorev said Russia continues to rely on understandings reached during the 2025 meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Anchorage. He also expressed regret over the absence of a formal U.S. response to Russia’s proposal to uphold New START treaty limits, while reaffirming Moscow’s readiness for both military-technical measures and diplomatic engagement.
The ambassador criticized European discussions about utilizing frozen Russian assets, calling such actions illegal and a violation of international law and sovereign immunity principles.
Addressing humanitarian concerns, Khorev noted that Russia has facilitated the reunification of 13 Ukrainian minors with their families from a list of 339 cases provided during talks in Istanbul in June 2025.
He further referenced a 2024 ruling by the International Court of Justice, stating that the court did not recognize Russia as an “aggressor state” and dismissed Ukraine’s claims regarding alleged terrorist organizations in Donetsk and Lugansk.
Khorev also condemned a March 3 drone attack on the Russian LNG tanker “Arctic Metagaz” in the Mediterranean, describing it as a violation of international law and a war crime.
In his concluding remarks, the ambassador welcomed what he described as Pakistan’s balanced stance on the conflict and expressed hope for Islamabad’s participation in drafting a proposed Eurasian Charter on Diversity and Multipolarity, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and security across the continent.
