Russia has voiced deep concern over the escalating military conflict between India and Pakistan, following cross-border strikes and retaliatory military actions that have left dozens of civilians dead and injured.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned all forms of terrorism and stressed the need for global cooperation to combat it. The Ministry called on both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and avoid further military escalation.

"We are deeply concerned over the escalation of military confrontation between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attack near Pahalgam," the Russian statement said. It urged both nations to resolve their disputes through peaceful, diplomatic means in line with the Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999).

The call for calm comes after India launched multiple air and missile strikes on Pakistani cities including Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Ahmedpur Sharqia, Bagh, and Muridke. In response, Pakistan’s Armed Forces carried out a swift and powerful counterattack.

According to Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt. General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Pakistan shot down five Indian fighter jets and destroyed an Indian Army brigade headquarters. He said the Pakistan Air Force successfully thwarted Indian attempts to breach its airspace.

"The cowardly Indian aggression will not go unpunished," said Lt. Gen. Sharif during a late-night press briefing. He confirmed that 26 Pakistani civilians were martyred and 46 others injured in 24 Indian strikes targeting six different locations inside Pakistan.

As regional tensions intensify, international observers, including Russia, are urging both nations to de-escalate and return to diplomatic channels to prevent a broader conflict.