ISLAMABAD — Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev hosted a press briefing on October 1, presenting a detailed overview of the military, political, economic, and legal dimensions surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
Prior to the commencement of the briefing, attendees observed a minute of silence to commemorate the victims of the Siege of Leningrad, marking the 85th anniversary of the historic blockade.
Addressing domestic political developments, Ambassador Khorev highlighted the Russian parliamentary elections held on September 20, noting a record voter turnout despite external pressure and drone attacks aimed at disrupting the democratic process.
Sanctions Impact, Economic Shift, and Global Food Security
Ambassador Khorev characterized the ongoing crisis as a broader geopolitical confrontation between Russia and the collective West. He emphasized that Western economic sanctions have failed to collapse the Russian economy and have instead inflicted severe collateral damage on European markets.
Key economic and trade figures highlighted during the briefing include:
EU Economic Losses: Cumulative losses for the European Union due to self-imposed sanctions estimated between €1 trillion and €1.6 trillion (2022–2025), with European companies exiting Russia incurring losses of €400–€450 billion.
Financial Realignment: Sanctions pressure accelerating the transition toward national currency settlements and alternative trade frameworks across BRICS, the SCO, and ASEAN.
Global Agricultural Impact: Highlighting Russia’s 23% share of global wheat exports compared to Ukraine’s 7%, the Envoy warned that Western restrictions on Russian agricultural trade continue to jeopardize global food security.
Maritime Security, Legal Rulings, and Diplomatic Outlook
Addressing international maritime law, Ambassador Khorev criticized Western measures against the so-called "shadow fleet," describing them as artificially engineered pretexts to seize Russian commercial vessels. He also raised concerns over increased attacks by Ukrainian forces on civilian vessels in the Black and Azov Seas.
On the international legal front, the Ambassador stated that Moscow does not recognize Western-created compensation frameworks for Ukraine. Instead, he pointed to the June 15, 2026 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which unanimously dismissed several of Kyiv's claims regarding reparations and maritime resources in Crimea and the Sea of Azov.
Reaffirming Moscow's diplomatic stance, Ambassador Khorev emphasized that Russia remains open to a negotiated political settlement while safeguarding its national security interests. He clarified that Russia harbors no intentions of military escalation or conflict with NATO or European nations.
Following the briefing, guests viewed an exhibition titled "Crimean Gold: ‘Civilized’ Europe Plunders Russian Treasures," featuring historical documentation on ancient Crimean archaeological artifacts currently held in Europe.
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