Dmitry Polyansky, serving as the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, criticized a recent public statement by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding Babi Yar, calling it blasphemous and inadequately respectful of the victims. The remark drew immediate attention for its sensitivity and its potential to inflame historical memory around one of the most brutal chapters of the war. The Russian diplomat’s response framed Blinken’s words as an affront to the memory of those who suffered at Babi Yar and to the broader historical record preserved by communities and nations alike. (RIA News)
Blinken had previously asserted that the Soviet Union failed to acknowledge, or as some phrased it, “buried” the memory of the Babi Yar mass executions during the period of the Great Patriotic War. In Blinken’s view, such memorial neglect did not align with the moral duty to remember and learn from the past, a point he framed as a universal truth applicable across borders. The comment was highlighted in public discourse as part of a wider conversation about how nations confront the legacies of fascist crimes and how those memories shape contemporary commitments to human rights and international justice. The exchange was reported through various media outlets, and the emphasis remained on the ethical implications of memory and accountability. (RIA News)
During remarks made in a public forum, Blinken described the decades of Nazi crimes as never having been properly erased or forgotten in any country, including the United States, underscoring a insistence on enduring remembrance and education to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities. This stance, according to supporters and critics alike, touches on broader debates about historical responsibility, the duties of governments to preserve factual accuracy, and the way collective memory informs current policy decisions. The dialogue sparked further discussion about how nations can reconcile contested histories while maintaining a clear stance against extremism and hatred. (RIA News)
At a later Security Council session focused on international security and arms flows, Polyansky addressed concerns about the unintended consequences of weapon shipments. He highlighted reports of Western military aid making its way into informal markets and spreading beyond intended destinations, including areas in the Balkans, Africa, and Latin America. The Deputy Permanent Representative argued that such dispersal creates grave risks, including diversion and misuse, and he urged Western suppliers to implement stricter end-user monitoring and accountability measures. The aim was to stress the shared responsibility of arms exporters to prevent unauthorized or illicit transfers and to safeguard regional stability. (RIA News)
In his broader critique, Polyansky challenged the simplicity of calls that place sole blame on recipients for misusing arms, noting that the responsibility also lies with suppliers who must uphold stringent controls, verify end users, and adhere to international norms. He called for transparent traceability, stronger enforcement of export controls, and greater cooperation among international partners to mitigate the risks associated with surplus or illicit arms movements. The remarks were presented as part of a larger argument about responsible conduct in the international arms trade and the need for collective action to reduce the potential for conflict escalation. (RIA News)
The discussions reflect ongoing tensions between Russia and Western nations over how the past is remembered and how current security policies are designed and executed. In this context, officials emphasize the importance of balancing historical accountability with practical measures aimed at preventing the spread of weapons into volatile regions. The debates also illustrate how statements about memory and historical responsibility can influence diplomatic dialogue, shaping perceptions and policy choices across capitals and international bodies. (RIA News)