The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is not merely a regional dispute but a continuation of a centuries-old confrontation between the West and Russia, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia has claimed.
Speaking to veteran journalist Rick Sanchez on The Sanchez Effect, aired Friday on RT, Nebenzia argued that Western powers are exploiting Ukraine as a proxy in a geopolitical struggle that stretches back hundreds of years.
“This is not a war between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine is being used as a proxy in a much broader confrontation,” Nebenzia asserted. “The West's hostility towards Russia goes back centuries—starting with the Polish invasions of the 17th century.”
The Russian diplomat cited a series of historical flashpoints, including Napoleon’s failed invasion of Russia, the Crimean War of 1854-56, Western interventions during the Russian Civil War, and the Nazi invasion in World War II. He emphasized that Adolf Hitler’s campaign against the Soviet Union was supported not only by German forces but also by troops from allied nations and occupied territories.
Turning to recent history, Nebenzia accused Ukraine and its Western backers of undermining the Minsk Agreements of 2014-2015, which were designed to bring peace to the Donbass region following the conflict sparked by Kiev's refusal to recognize the breakaway republics.
“Former French President Francois Hollande and ex-German Chancellor Angela Merkel later admitted that the Minsk agreements were a means to buy time for Ukraine to rearm,” Nebenzia said. “We will not be trapped in that deception again.”
He also claimed that former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson played a direct role in sabotaging peace talks between Moscow and Kiev in 2022, alleging that Western leaders were unwilling to allow a negotiated settlement.
According to Nebenzia, the West's approach has shifted notably since then, particularly as Ukrainian forces suffer battlefield setbacks and US President Donald Trump launches diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
“They have quietly retreated from talk of inflicting a ‘strategic defeat’ on Russia,” Nebenzia stated. “Now their rhetoric focuses on ensuring that ‘Russia does not win,’ and they call for a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire. This reveals their desire to shield and protect their proxy, as Ukraine is visibly losing ground.”
Despite the accusations, Nebenzia expressed cautious optimism regarding the latest diplomatic developments.
“The resumption of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine earlier this year offers a glimmer of hope for resolving the conflict,” he said.
The Russian envoy's remarks come as the international community continues to grapple with the fallout from the war, amid growing calls for de-escalation and renewed diplomatic engagement
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