By The World Ambassador
TWA
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Ambassador Albert P. Khorev, addressing a media briefing on May 27, 2025, shared updates on the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and key regional and international developments.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Khorev highlighted the upcoming Day of the Eurasian Economic Union, observed annually on May 29. He elaborated that the EAEU comprises Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, representing 185.5 million people. The EAEU boasts a GDP of $2.6 trillion, industrial production worth $1.6 trillion, agricultural output of $132 billion, and investments totaling $487 billion, says press note.
The EAEU was established through the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union signed on May 29, 2014, in Astana. Armenia and Kyrgyzstan joined in 2015, and the union marked its 10th anniversary in 2024. The EAEU has since implemented unified regulations and policies in areas including customs, trade, energy, agriculture, and digitalization.
Ambassador Khorev noted the Union’s growing international outreach, with free trade agreements with Iran, Serbia, and Vietnam, and over 80 cooperation memorandums with global entities. Observer states include Iran, Uzbekistan, Cuba, and Moldova.
Referring to Pakistan, he emphasized its strategic location and potential for enhanced connectivity with EAEU countries. This year, the Republic of Belarus is presiding over the Union, and Ambassador Andrey Metelitsa of Belarus also addressed the briefing.
Ambassador Khorev recalled the recent celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, marked by a grand parade on May 9 in Moscow. On this occasion, Military contingents from 13 countries – Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Egypt, China, Laos, Mongolia, and Myanmar – also took part in the Victory Parade. The event featured 55 ceremonial units, foreign military contingents, and advanced military equipment, including drones and missile systems. The aerial show concluded with a colorful flyover by Russian fighter jets. The parade was attended by 29 foreign leaders, including President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and President of China Xi Jinping.
The parade concluded with the renowned Kubinka Diamond formation of Su-30 and MiG-29 fighter jets from the Russkiye Vityazi (Russian Knights) and Strizhi (Swifts) aerobatic teams. Closing the flyover, Su-25 attack aircraft painted the sky in the colors of the Russian national flag, says press note.
According to the press note, he also thanked participants of the St. George’s Ribbon campaign during the May 6 reception at the Russian Embassy, which was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
On the Ukrainian crisis, the Ambassador discussed recent diplomatic efforts. On March 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by telephone and agreed that Russia would unilaterally suspend its strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days. The Ukrainian side later verbally supported this initiative. This “energy moratorium” has become a kind of “litmus test” to evaluate Kiev’s ability and willingness to implement the ceasefire agreements. A 30-day energy strike moratorium proposed by President Vladimir Putin and supported by President Donald Trump began on March 18. Additionally, despite Zelensky’s desperate pleas for a ceasefire, Ukraine ignored two more opportunities to demonstrate its commitment to peace. First, Kiev refused to cease hostilities during the Easter truce from April 19-21, violating it a total of 4,900 times, and then rejected President Vladimir Putin’s initiative to suspend hostilities from May 9-11.
However, he reported over 130 violations by Ukraine during the period. He criticized Ukraine’s rejection of the Easter truce and May 9-11 ceasefire proposals, stating these actions demonstrated a lack of commitment to peace.
He questioned the sincerity of Ukraine’s calls for a 30-day ceasefire, arguing such efforts aim to regroup with Western aid. Ambassador Khorev accused Western leaders of pushing militarization over peace, with Germany notably increasing its defense budget.
Ambassador Khorev reiterated that sustainable peace requires addressing the conflict’s root causes. He recalled President Putin’s June 2024 peace proposal, which includes withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from new Russian territories, non-NATO alignment by Ukraine, lifting of sanctions, and protection of Russian-speaking citizens.
He praised the recent Istanbul talks between Russia and Ukraine on May 16, which led to a significant prisoner exchange.
The media briefing session concluded with recognition of the United States’ constructive role, especially President Trump’s efforts in facilitating dialogue. Both sides are now engaged in drafting a potential memorandum for future peace.
