Russian Ambassador Condemns ‘Starobilsk Massacre’, Warns of New Phase in Ukraine Conflict
Raja Mohsin
ISLAMABAD : Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev on Tuesday delivered a strongly-worded address during a special briefing at the Russian Embassy, condemning what he described as a “terrorist attack” by Ukrainian forces on a student residence and academic building in Starobilsk that left 21 young students dead and more than 60 injured.
Addressing journalists, diplomats and observers, Ambassador Khorev said the May 22 strike on the educational facility in Starobilsk represented a tragic turning point in the conflict and crossed what he termed a “red line” for Moscow.
“The victims were young students with their entire lives ahead of them. This crime against children and youth cannot be ignored by the international community,” he said.
According to the Ambassador, the attack prompted Russia to launch a new phase of military operations aimed at what Moscow describes as Ukraine’s military-industrial infrastructure and command centers. He referred to Russia’s subsequent precision strikes using advanced missile systems, including Kinzhal, Zircon, Iskander and Oreshnik missiles, saying they were carried out in response to what he called escalating attacks on civilians.
Khorev sharply criticized Western governments and international organizations for what he described as a selective and politically motivated response to civilian casualties.
“While many chose to remain silent after the deaths of students in Starobilsk, they immediately condemned Russia’s response. Such double standards undermine the credibility of international institutions,” he stated.
The Ambassador also accused Ukrainian forces of conducting attacks against civilian infrastructure around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, warning that actions targeting nuclear facilities could have catastrophic consequences far beyond the region.
He said Russia remains committed to ensuring the safety of the plant and called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to provide an objective assessment of recent incidents.
Highlighting Moscow’s efforts to document events on the ground, Khorev noted that Russia facilitated a visit by foreign journalists from 20 countries, including Pakistan, to Starobilsk to independently observe the aftermath of the attack.
The Russian envoy praised Pakistan’s approach toward the Ukraine conflict, describing Islamabad’s position as “balanced, responsible and neutral.” He said Russia appreciates Pakistan’s serious consideration of Russian security warnings and its commitment to an independent foreign policy.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Khorev reiterated Russia’s position that it seeks to avoid harm to civilians while defending its national security interests, and invited participants to view an exhibition dedicated to the victims of the Starobilsk tragedy.
The briefing underscored Moscow’s determination to draw international attention to what it views as overlooked attacks on civilians and to explain the rationale behind its recent military actions amid the continuing conflict in Ukraine.
