• Khorev says Moscow continues to support a UN resolution against glorification of Nazism, backed by 119 countries, including Pakistan
• Claims Ukraine violated ceasefire thousands of times between May 8 and 11

ISLAMABAD: Russian Ambassador Albert P Khorev on Tuesday criticised Ukraine and its Western allies, accusing them of prolonging the conflict and undermining peace efforts, while reiterating Moscow’s stance on key political, military and historical issues.

Speaking at a media briefing, the envoy said Russia recently marked the 81st anniversary of Victory Day, describing it as a central national occasion commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany. He expressed concern over what he called a growing trend in some countries of removing or vandalising World War II memorials and honouring individuals linked to Nazi forces.

Albert Khorev noted that Russia continued to sponsor a United Nations resolution against the glorification of Nazism, adding that the latest version, adopted in December 2025, received support from 119 countries, including Pakistan.

Turning to the Ukraine conflict, the ambassador said Russia had announced a temporary ceasefire from May 8 to 11 as a goodwill gesture, but alleged that Ukrainian forces violated the truce thousands of times. He questioned Kyiv’s commitment to a broader ceasefire, claiming repeated breaches of earlier humanitarian pauses.

The envoy also accused Ukrainian authorities of enforcing widespread conscription through coercive means, citing reports of forced mobilisation and rising complaints of rights violations. He referred to official Ukrainian data indicating thousands of grievances related to recruitment practices.

Albert Khorev further alleged that Western countries were deepening their involvement in the war by providing military assistance and supporting foreign fighters. He said planned aid for 2026 could significantly increase the total Western support extended to Ukraine since 2022.

The ambassador also raised concerns about attacks on energy infrastructure, including gas pipelines and oil export routes, which he said posed risks to regional energy security and caused fin­ancial losses to neighbouring countries.

He criticised what he described as deteriorating law and order within Ukraine, pointing to reports of organised crime, trafficking and corruption. Allegations involving Ukrainian officials were also mentioned, though independent verification of such claims remains limited.

On international legal initiatives related to the conflict, Albert Khorev rejected mechanisms such as proposed tribunals and compensation frameworks, calling them politically motivated and illegitimate.

He also revisited disputed narratives surrounding incidents such as Bucha and the issue of displaced Ukrainian children, presenting Russia’s interpretation of these events. The envoy recalled anniversaries linked to the 2014 Odessa violence and Crimea’s incorporation into Russia, reaffirming Moscow’s position on historical and territorial matters.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2026