Report : Tazeen Akhtar | Camera : Raja Ghulam Farid
Ambassador of Russian Federation to Pakistan H.E Albert P. Khorev is confident that his country will achieve all the goals of the special military operation in Ukraine and thwart the enemy’s insidious plans. He has said that Russia is facing opposition from the so-called collective West, including in the context of events in Ukraine. The West persistently tries to inflict a “strategic defeat” on us, dreaming for centuries of a weak, submissive Russia — a scenario that will never come to pass.
Ambassador shared these remarks in his address to the guests at the reception honoring Defender of the Fatherland Day celebrated in Islamabad on 23 Feb 2026.
Mr. & Mrs. Albert P. Khorev , Ambassador and Mr. & Mrs. Colonel Vadim N. Fenchenko, the Defence Attache, hosted a grand reception at a local hotel to mark the day with friends of the Russian embassy in Islamabad.
According to the significance of the day, Senior military officials from all three wings of Pakistan and government officials participated in the celebration. Vice Air Chief, Air Marshal Shakeel Ghazanfar was the chief guest. Ambassadors and DAs of many countries across the globe were also present. The Dean of Diplomatic Corp, Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Ambassadors of Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Kenya, Rwanda, Morocco, Malaysia, Syria, Lebanon also attended the event.
Chairm Pakistan China Institute, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, renown educationist Ms Dushka Syed, Chairperson SASSI Dr. Maria Sultan, Chairman Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad Ambassador Khalid Mehmood, Director General MOFA Amb Ahmad Ali Sarohi and many Pakistan diplomats also graced the reception with their presence.
The stage was beautifully decorated with defence scenes and Russian weaponry with relevance to the event. National Anthems of both countries were played and a ceremonial cake was cut together by the Ambassador , DA of Russia and the Chief Guest.
Ambassador Khorev in his welcome address shed light on the history of the day. He said, “The Defender of the Fatherland Day holds a special place in the history and hearts of our people. This day brings generations together, reminding us of the enduring legacy of military honor and service to our country.”
The holiday dates back to the early 20th century when Russia’s regular armed forces were established during those harsh years of trial. In January 1918, the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army and Navy were formed. Then, on February 23 of that year, the Council of People’s Commissars of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic issued a decree titled “The Socialist Fatherland Is in Danger!” urging citizens to defend their homeland.
“Although eras, state names, and the structure of the armed forces have changed since then, the readiness of the defenders of the Fatherland to protect their country’s sovereignty and security has remained the same, ” the Ambassador noted.
Reminding everyone of the glorious history of the army and navy, the Ambassador added, “Our struggle for the freedom to develop our homeland began many centuries ago. In the 13th century, Prince Alexander Nevsky and the Novgorod army repelled aggression on our western borders. They thwarted the Swedes’ and Germans’ plans to seize our lands and convert Orthodox Christians to the Latin faith. Alexander Nevsky was canonized for his ability to defend Russia’s interests by peace and by the sword. He is now considered the heavenly patron not only of the military, but also of diplomats.”
Mr. Khorev briefed the guests as ;
The great victories of the Russian Navy began during the reign of Peter the Great. The Swedish navy was decisively defeated in the Battles of Gangut (1714) and Grengam (1720). The Great Northern War was a success both on land and at sea, securing Russia’s access to the Baltic Sea and its place among the world’s leading powers.
The history of Russian military warfare is rich with the names of outstanding commanders. Alexander Suvorov, a genius of offensive warfare, never lost a battle. His exploits are still studied in military academies around the world, including his legendary crossing of the Alps in autumn of 1799. Incidentally, he did so to support the Austrian allies who ultimately betrayed our troops. Suvorov’s maxim, “Take care of the soldier,” remains a moral guideline for our country’s military leadership today.
Commander Mikhail Kutuzov, a student of Suvorov, took forward-looking steps during the Patriotic War of 1812 that were perceived ambiguously at the time. Ultimately, these steps helped defeat Napoleon’s formidable army. The unity of the people and the army demonstrated the futility of any plans to invade Russia.
The Ambassador said, “The heroism of Russian soldiers in both world wars deserves special recognition. The Soviet army and navy’s victory in the Great Patriotic War was an unparalleled feat. At the cost of enormous sacrifices, our country was saved and the world was freed from the fascist plague. In this regard, it is impossible not to mention the names of our great marshals: Georgy Zhukov, Konstantin Rokossovsky, Alexander Vasilevsky, as well as many other commanders, officers, soldiers, and sailors.”
Today, he said, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue this historic mission. They remain the backbone of the state and a school of courage and self-sacrifice. They are improving their combat capabilities and professionalism while relying on the latest domestic developments and military equipment.
” History teaches us that, at decisive moments, the unity of the army and the people has guaranteed the survival and future of the country. In recent years, we have witnessed Russia facing opposition from the so-called collective West, including in the context of events in Ukraine. The West persistently tries to inflict a “strategic defeat” on us, dreaming for centuries of a weak, submissive Russia — a scenario that will never come to pass, the Ambassador continued.
He said, ” Amid unprecedented global pressure and tension, our armed forces valiantly play a pivotal role in safeguarding the state, protecting civilians, and defending Russia’s right to an independent developmental path. Thanks to our steadfast military personnel and wise, responsible leadership, I am confident that we will achieve all the goals of the special military operation in Ukraine and thwart the enemy’s insidious plans.”
The Ambassador concluded with a wish for peaceful skies above our heads, the swift resolution of conflicts, and good health and prosperity for all.
Colonel Vadim Fenchenko, the Russian Defense Attaché also delivered a short speech highlighting the importance of the day and the role of armed forces in the defence of the fatherland.
He expressed his gratitude to the participating dignitaries including diplomats and defence attaches. He thanked Pakistani military officials who were present there to share the moments of pride of his nation. He spoke highly about defence cooperation between the two countries and expressed hope that the bilateral military cooperation will be enhanced and strengthened in the future.
An exhibition was also arranged with posters and portraits related to the history of the defence forces formation journey of Russia. Defence Attache took the guests to a round to the exhibition and briefed them about different phases and events of the history.
Delicious Russian cuisine and deserts were also served to the taste of the guests who found them mouth watering. They enjoyed the food a lot as most of them reached there after breaking the fast and did not have dinner after Iftar.
