Russia suggests Kashmir dispute should be resolved under Shimla Accord, Lahore Declaration 

Ambassador of Russian Federation to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev has suggested that the decades old Kashmir issue, which is bone of contention between Pakistan and India, should be resolved in accordance with the Shimla Agreement and the 1999 Lahore Declaration. 

Addressing a press conference at the Russian Embassy the other day, Ambassador Albert P. Khorev stated that during recent Pakistan–India conflict in May 2025, Moscow called for a balance and a restraint. 

He said Russia had lauded Pakistan’s defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, noting that one of the factors behind the deal was Israel’s recent attack on Qatar.

Khorev added that Russia believes that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved under the Shimla Accord and 1999 Lahore Declaration. The Russian envoy to another question mentioned that Russia opposes U.S. efforts to regain the Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan, calling such moves a reflection of a colonial mindset.

If Washington wants to play a positive role in Afghanistan, it should unfreeze Afghanistan’s $10 billion assets, explained the ambassador. Khorev said that the talks between Pakistan and Russia on the revival of Pakistan Steel Mills are ongoing.

“Moscow appreciates Pakistan’s consistent policy of neutrality on the Ukraine conflict despite external pressure and supports Pakistan’s diplomatic stance, which aligns with Russia’s own,” Albert P. Khorev praised Pakistan’s position on Ukraine conflict. On the cervical cancer vaccine, no breakthrough has yet been achieved, however discussions with several Pakistani pharmaceutical companies continue. Russia–China relations are at a good level. On Ukraine, the U.S. is showing restraint, but Europe is escalating tensions. Drone attacks on Russian territory from Ukraine have increased in recent months. According to the Ambassador, Ukraine vows to use European military/financial aid and the temporary ceasefires between Russia and Ukraine to regroup, reorganize and rearm Ukrainian forces. Since the start of Russia’s “special military operation,” Ukraine has received about $70.2 billion in total aid, the Ambassador disclosed.

Ukrainian President Zelensky’s term has already been ended in 2024; Moscow says he is trying to meet world leaders to legitimize his position, the Ambassador noted. 

He said, that Russian officials stressed they have no intention of striking targets in the Netherlands and are not interested in escalating tensions with Poland or NATO countries. 

Reporter: Anwer Abbas