At a recent international conference, Dmitry Polyansky, who serves as the First Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, addressed attendees with remarks about what he described as an ongoing chilling effect at the United Nations. He pointed to a development he attributed to instructions from the head of the Ukrainian mission, Serhiy Kyslytsya, noting that staff from Ukraine’s Permanent Mission to the UN were instructed not to engage in dialogue or casual contact with their Russian counterparts. Polyansky stressed that this choice to limit interaction would not erase the reality that both sides would eventually have to exchange views, and that the moment for such conversations would arrive—sooner or later. He underscored that the lack of communicative contact at the outset did not change the underlying necessity of dialogue as the situation evolves on the global stage, and he urged patience with the process while acknowledging the rising tension within the multilateral setting. The diplomat’s comments suggested that the practical consequences of that decision would extend beyond mere optics, potentially affecting procedural work, coalition-building, and the ability of delegates to share information in real time during meetings and negotiations. Polyansky also implied that while the current stance reflects a deliberate policy choice, it does not preclude a future opening for substantive engagement as circumstances change and the UN’s diplomatic calendar progresses. He expressed a personal hope that conditions would shift in a manner that would allow conversations to resume, emphasizing that preparedness to engage remains essential for advancing any shared international objectives, even if that engagement is incremental or comes in stages. He concluded by reiterating his belief that dialogue is indispensable for stabilizing relations and moving toward solutions that would benefit regional and global stability, even when pathways appear blocked by political considerations at the moment. In his view, the challenges faced by the two neighboring states would be more effectively addressed if both sides could find a way to restore a constructive channel of communication, enabling a steady exchange of information and mutual understanding that could prevent misinterpretation or escalation as issues arise. This stance aligns with a broader expectation that diplomacy, while sometimes slow and uneven, remains a fundamental mechanism for resolving disputes without resorting to unilateral action or confrontation, and it points to a longer horizon in which dialogue could become the backbone of incremental rapprochement, should political conditions permit.
The remarks also touched on the broader dynamics of regional relations and the ongoing debate about the proper orientation of Ukraine within its neighborhood. Polyansky remarked that Ukraine ought to reengage with its neighbors in a manner that preserves interoperability, regional cooperation, and mutual respect for sovereignty, an ethos that he suggested would contribute to a more stable and predictable security environment in Europe. He indicated that Moscow views neighboring states as essential players in maintaining regional equilibrium and stressed that, from this perspective, any forward-looking strategy should balance national interests with the practical realities of shared borders and common neighborhoods. The conversation, he noted, is not about erasing differences but about finding workable channels for communication, which remain a prerequisite for managing any future disagreements without resorting to force or coercion. He framed this vision as one where long-term peace and practical engagement could coexist with firm positions on policy matters, and where neighbors could coexist with clear boundaries and mutual obligations, even if immediate negotiations appear stalled. The essence of his message, according to Polyansky, is that the state of relations between Russia and Ukraine is not irreversibly broken and does not require permanent estrangement; rather, it calls for persistent, albeit cautious, efforts to reconstitute dialogue as circumstances permit. Such a stance, he argued, would facilitate a more stable regional order and provide a framework for addressing humanitarian, economic, and security concerns that affect both nations and the wider international community.
In a separate statement linked to the same discourse, Polyansky reaffirmed the Russian position that the Kremlin does not intend to dismantle the Ukrainian state or erase its territorial integrity through unilateral measures. He positioned this as a foundational element of Moscow’s stated policy, asserting that Russia seeks a resolution that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty while addressing the concerns that have driven bilateral tensions. This articulation was presented as a commitment to a path that avoids the demolition of state structures and emphasizes political settlement, even as the broader conflict persists and negotiations continue in various fora. The remarks, circulated to conference attendees and observers, were framed as part of a broader effort to communicate Moscow’s stance on the conflict, maintenance of interstate framework, and the prospects for future engagement under international law and United Nations processes. Analysts noted that such statements are frequently intended to shape international perception, frame diplomatic options, and signal readiness to resume formal diplomacy when conditions align with strategic goals. The overarching takeaway, as reflected in Polyansky’s comments, is that dialogue remains on the table, that it is valued as a mechanism for preventing escalation, and that the door to negotiation would reopen under suitable terms and timelines, regardless of the immediate political climate. For observers, the message underscores a preference for predictable, rule-based interaction at the UN, coupled with a cautious expectation that visible contact between mission staff could normalize over time as confidence builds and procedural cooperation resumes.