Islamabad, March 17, 2026 (Khyber Mail) – Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev held a detailed briefing for Pakistani journalists on March 17 regarding the ongoing situation in and around Ukraine, outlining Moscow’s perspective on the conflict and broader geopolitical developments.
During the briefing, the ambassador described the conflict as part of a wider confrontation between Russia and the collective West. He stated that the situation on the front lines currently favors Russian forces, while accusing Ukrainian forces of intensifying strikes on Russian territory and civilian infrastructure.
Khorev noted that diplomatic engagements between Moscow and Kyiv have continued into 2026, with multiple rounds of talks leading to limited humanitarian outcomes, including prisoner exchanges. He reiterated that Russia remains open to a negotiated settlement but insisted that any agreement must address what he termed the root causes of the conflict, including NATO’s eastward expansion and alleged discrimination against Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine.
Addressing humanitarian concerns, the ambassador discussed the issue of children affected by the war. He rejected claims by Western sources that thousands of Ukrainian children had been forcibly transferred to Russia, calling such figures inaccurate. According to Khorev, during direct talks in 2025, Ukrainian representatives submitted a list of 339 children who had lost contact with their families. He stated that Russia has been working to reunite these children with relatives and that, as of early March 2026, thirteen had been returned to Ukraine. He added that the repatriation process is reciprocal, with children also being returned from Ukraine to Russia.
Responding to questions on the situation in Iran, the ambassador condemned the recent escalation in the Middle East, criticizing military actions by the United States and Israel. He said findings by the International Atomic Energy Agency showed no evidence that Iran is developing a nuclear weapon, describing such claims as a pretext for military intervention.
Khorev also strongly condemned the reported assassination of Ali Khamenei and attacks on civilian sites, including a strike on a school in Minab, terming them serious violations of international law that could further destabilize the region.
In his concluding remarks, the ambassador called for restraint and urged all parties to pursue political and diplomatic solutions. He emphasized that lasting stability in the Gulf region must be based on dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and consideration of the security interests of all regional states.