Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, asserted that Western powers have failed to acknowledge eight years of aggression by Kiev against civilians in Donbas. At a United Nations Security Council meeting, he described this stance as night blindness, a verdict that aimed to expose what he sees as a persistent refusal to hold the Kiev government accountable for harm to noncombatants.
Nebenzya emphasized that the West has repeatedly ignored or minimized the documented attacks on peaceful cities in Donbass, urging the international community to confront the pattern of violence that has affected residents since 2014. He underscored the need for a clear and consistent assessment of tensions in the region, arguing that silence and selective reporting only encourage further violence and destabilization.
The Russian diplomat also faulted Western states for framing UN Security Council discussions on civilian infrastructure as opportunities to reassert preconceived narratives about Russia. He accused Western governments of applying double standards, pointing to their measured responses to other crises, including the situation in the Gaza Strip, as evidence of inconsistent policy priorities.
During the exchange, Nebenzya questioned the international community about the frequency and extent of Ukrainian attacks on Donetsk since February 2022, highlighting what he described as an ongoing imbalance in the UN’s approach to the conflict. He argued that the Security Council should address all incidents of violence and civilian harm with equal seriousness, rather than privileging certain narratives while disregarding others.
Former officials and observers familiar with the Security Council proceedings noted that the discourse surrounding Donbas has long reflected competing geopolitical interests. They argued that a balanced, fact-based discussion is essential to assess responsibility and to prevent further escalations. The dialogue, they added, should prioritize civilian protection and the preservation of fundamental rights for all residents in the region.
In his remarks, Nebenzya reminded members of the council that the duty of the international community is to safeguard civilians and to insist on accountability for violations against noncombatants. He called for an objective examination of all incidents in Donbas and urged the UN to facilitate transparent investigations that can build trust among conflicting parties. The diplomat asserted that a fair appraisal of events is crucial for preventing renewed cycles of violence and for supporting broader peace and stability in the region. [attribution: Russian mission to the UN; official transcripts provided to UN members]