Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, Albert P. Khorev, has strongly condemned what he described as a series of terrorist attacks carried out by Ukrainian forces against civilians and civilian infrastructure, stating that recent developments have pushed the conflict into a new phase.
Russian Ambassador Condemns Ukrainian attacks on Civilians, warns of escalation in Conflict
ISLAMABAD, Jun 9 (APP): Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, Albert P. Khorev, has strongly condemned what he described as a series of terrorist attacks carried out by Ukrainian forces against civilians and civilian infrastructure, stating that recent developments have pushed the conflict into a new phase.
Addressing an emergency briefing at the Russian Embassy in Islamabad, Ambassador Khorev on Tuesday said the briefing was convened in response to a drone strike that allegedly targeted a student hostel and educational facility affiliated with a pedagogical university in Starobilsk, located in the northeastern part of the ‘Luhansk People’s Republic.’
According to the ambassador of Russia, 86 students were present in the buildings at the time of the attack.
He said that 21 students, including 18 young women and three young men under the age of 23, lost their lives, while more than 60 others were injured.
Khorev described the incident as a grave violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
He said the attack represented a “red line” and had prompted Russia to intensify military operations against what it described as Ukraine’s military-industrial infrastructure.
The ambassador referred to a statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry on May 25, announcing systematic strikes against facilities involved in the design, production, and deployment of drones allegedly used by Ukrainian forces with NATO support.
He said Russian forces had subsequently launched large-scale retaliatory attacks using advanced missile systems, including Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal, and Zircon missiles.
Khorev further stated that Russian forces carried out additional precision strikes on June 2 against military-industrial sites, fuel depots, and transport infrastructure in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. He indicated that such operations would continue.
Criticizing Western governments, the ambassador accused them of ignoring the alleged Starobilsk attack while condemning Russia’s military response.
He argued that continued military assistance to Kyiv was contributing to the escalation of the conflict and reducing prospects for meaningful peace negotiations.
The Russian envoy also criticized international organizations, for what he called a “double standard” in their response to civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
According to Khorev, Russia facilitated a visit by 51 foreign journalists from 20 countries, including Pakistan, to Starobilsk following the incident. He said the visit allowed international media representatives to witness the aftermath of the attack firsthand.
The ambassador additionally accused Ukrainian forces of carrying out attacks on residential areas and critical infrastructure in Enerhodar, as well as targeting the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power facility.
He warned that such actions could pose serious risks to nuclear safety and called on the International Atomic Energy Agency to assess the incidents objectively.
Khorev cited several other alleged attacks, including a drone strike in Henichesk that reportedly killed a five-year-old child and shelling in Yenakiieve that resulted in civilian casualties.
He also claimed that Ukrainian forces attempted to disrupt the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum through drone attacks targeting infrastructure near residential districts.
The ambassador concluded by reiterating Russia’s position that it seeks to minimize harm to civilians while responding to security threats.
He noted that Moscow had advised foreign nationals, including diplomatic personnel and international organizations, to consider leaving Kyiv and said Russia had communicated relevant information through diplomatic channels.
Khorev also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s balanced and constructive approach toward the Ukraine conflict, describing Islamabad’s stance as neutral and responsible.
At the conclusion of the briefing, participants were invited to view an exhibition dedicated to the victims of the Starobilsk incident.
