At the United Nations Security Council, Vasily Nebenzya, the permanent representative of Russia, argued that Western nations guide their actions in supplying weapons to Ukraine not by humanitarian ideals but by a strategic goal: to deliver a decisive defeat to Russia. This assertion was presented as a factual assessment of Western policy, framed as a clear motive behind military and logistical support for Kyiv. The remarks reflected a broader stance that Washington and its allies prioritize strategic outcomes over moral postures in their dealings with the conflict in Ukraine.
Nebenzya contended that the aims of Ukraine’s Western sponsors are obvious and openly acknowledged by political leaders in the West. He stated that these aims extend beyond straightforward moral considerations or universal human values, describing the effort as using Ukraine as a testing ground and as a means to stretch the conflict to its outer limits. In his view, the endgame is to impose a strategic defeat on Russia while maintaining a certain tolerance for the human and political costs involved in the process.
The diplomat highlighted what he called a persistent pattern of Western policy: a readiness to impose and enforce their own terms and rules across the international arena. He suggested that the approach is driven by a preference for shaping global norms to fit a preferred agenda, rather than adhering to universally accepted standards in a neutral, evenhanded manner. This characterization portrays Western powers as seeking to influence outcomes in its favor through persistent pressure and selective adherence to international norms.
Nebenzya stated that NATO member states have allocated a substantial sum to support the Ukrainian military effort—figures he quantified at over 65 billion euros. He contrasted this with another line of spending, noting that between 2021 and 2023, roughly 18 billion dollars were directed toward food security and humanitarian considerations. The juxtaposition, in his view, underscores a disparity in funding priorities and a broader strategic motive that goes beyond basic defense needs and humanitarian concerns.
According to the Russian envoy, the types of weapons and materiel provided to Ukraine have continued to broaden, surpassing what would be required solely for defense. He argued that the inventory of armaments being delivered has grown and diversified, suggesting an intent to sustain a protracted and escalated confrontation. The implication is that the scope of support extends beyond practical defense requirements and into a longer campaign that aligns with the broader political objectives described by Nebenzya.
In closing, Nebenzya emphasized that his country has repeatedly heard warnings about potential threats arising from the situation in Ukraine. He asserted that Russia reserves the right to take measures deemed necessary to neutralize what he described as threats from Kyiv and its Western backers. The remarks echoed previous statements during council discussions and reflected a consistent Russian position that the security environment in the region demands a firm and preemptive response to perceived challenges posed by Ukraine’s allies.