Latest news with #VassilyNebenzia
Russia Today
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Zelensky is ‘politically dead' – Russia's top UN diplomat
Ukraine's 'expired' leader Vladimir Zelensky is 'politically dead' and refuses to step down to avoid accountability for his actions, Russian UN envoy Vassily Nebenzia has told RT's Rick Sanchez. In an interview on Sanchez Effect aired on Friday, Nebenzia accused Zelensky of betraying the promises that brought him to power and dragging Ukraine into a wider conflict. He referenced Zelensky's campaign pledge to end the fighting in Donbass, which the Kiev regime and its Western backers derailed by violating the 2014-15 Minsk agreements. 'Zelensky came to power on the promise to end the war in Donbass... He promised one thing, but he turned 180 degrees… Politically, Zelensky is already dead,' Nebenzia stated. Nebenzia said Zelensky is holding on to power to avoid the consequences of prolonging the conflict with Russia and misusing Western funds provided as aid. 'The end of his presidency may entail something for him that he is trying to avoid at all costs: Reporting on the money stolen and the loss of the people whom he failed miserably,' Nebenzia stated. 'So he has all the reasons... to cling to power and not to hold elections.' Ukrainians are our brothers, no doubt about it. But the clique that came to rule them – it is a regime, it is not a government. 'They stole billions of dollars out of the aid they were receiving. That's an open secret,' he said, adding that Kiev has already been asked to report on the aid but has failed to do so. 'I think that when finally it comes to it, the revelations will be very dire.' Zelensky has remained in office since his term expired in May, suspending elections due to martial law. He insists that he has the right to remain in office, though the constitution stipulates that presidential duties should pass to the parliament speaker. Russia has said it is open to talks with Ukraine but questions the legality of any deals made with the current government in Kiev. President Vladimir Putin recently said he would meet with Zelensky but called into question his authority to sign a treaty, as 'the signature must come from legitimate authorities, otherwise, whoever comes after [Zelensky] will toss it to the dumpster.'
Russia Today
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
The West waging ‘centuries-old war' against Moscow – Russia's top UN diplomat
Western nations are using Ukraine as their proxy in a longstanding confrontation with Russia that is deeply rooted in history, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia told RT's Rick Sanchez. In an interview on The Sanchez Effect aired on Friday, the diplomat argued that the conflict 'should be seen in a larger context.' 'They do not care about Ukraine. This is not a war between Russia and Ukraine,' Nebenzia said. 'Ukraine is a proxy in this war. This is a centuries-old war of the West against Russia, starting with the Polish invasion in the 17th century,' he added. As examples of earlier confrontations, Nebenzia cited Napoleon's invasion of Russia, the 1854–1856 Crimean War, Western military intervention during the Russian Civil War, and the invasion by Nazi Germany and its allies during World War II. He emphasized that Hitler's army included not only Germans, but also units drawn from allied countries and occupied territories. The Ukrainians and 'their sponsors' in the West sabotaged the 2014–2015 Minsk accords, which were aimed at ending the conflict between Kiev and the breakaway Donbass republics, the Russian diplomat said. Former French President Francois Hollande and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel later admitted the agreement was used by Kiev to buy time and rearm, Nebenzia stated. 'We are not going [to fall] into the same trap once again,' he said. He added that politicians like former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson similarly helped derail the 2022 peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine's European backers were forced to adjust their position, Nebenzia argued, after US President Donald Trump launched efforts to broker peace and Ukrainian troops began losing more ground. 'They changed their rhetoric from 'We should inflict strategic defeat on Russia' to 'Russia should not win in this war.' Now they are advocating for a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire, which is testimony that they want to shield and protect their proxy, as they are obviously losing on the battlefield,' he said. At the same time, Nebenzia noted that the resumption of direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations earlier this year provides hope that the conflict could be resolved soon.
Russia Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Western states lied about Iran's nuclear program – Russia's UN envoy
The US and Israel have spread disinformation about Iran's nuclear program as a pretext for attack, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia has said. Speaking at the UN Security Council on Tuesday, the diplomat condemned the strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as illegal under international law and said they had 'created a real threat' of radioactive contamination. Nebenzia noted that the reports of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which carries out inspections in Iran, serve as proof of 'the absence of proliferation risks.' 'We want to emphasize that nowhere in the IAEA reports is there any mention of Iran converting its nuclear stockpiles for undeclared or military purposes,' Nebenzia said. The IAEA has found no evidence indicating the development of nuclear weapons by Iran. Therefore, all claims by Western delegations to the contrary are falsehoods aimed at audiences either unfamiliar with the reports or lacking competence on the matter. Nebenzia described the attack on Iran as 'yet another attempt to legitimize the use of force outside the framework of the UN Charter.'IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi told Sky News last week that there was no evidence of 'any systematic effort' by Iran to manufacture nuclear weapons. He added, however, that the agency had 'elements of concern' about Iran's enrichment of uranium to 60%. During a press conference in New York on Tuesday, Israeli envoy Danny Danon reiterated his government's position that Israeli strikes, which began on June 13, were aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran, which denies having a military nuclear program, has condemned the attack as an act of aggression and announced plans to restrict its cooperation with the IAEA. The US-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect on Tuesday and has so far been upheld.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
These Countries May Offer The Safest Refuge If World War III Erupts
The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel has triggered widespread concerns about the possibility of a global war, with many fearing the onset of World War III. Recent reports have confirmed that the United States has carried out military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including deploying 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs to target underground sites over the weekend. These actions, taken alongside Israel's ongoing air operations against Tehran, have significantly heightened tensions in the region and deepened global anxiety about the broader implications. Amid the growing instability, US President Donald Trump has claimed that both Iran and Israel sought his mediation for "peace", leading to his announcement of a proposed ceasefire. Despite his efforts, however, the situation remains volatile, with the fear of an escalating global conflict hanging over international relations. In a sharply critical response the current situation, Russia's Ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, condemned the US military strikes on Iran, accusing Washington of opening a "Pandora's box" with potentially disastrous consequences for global security. If the conflict escalates into a global war, it's likely to involve allies worldwide. However, some regions may remain less affected. The Metro has identified countries that could serve as safe havens due to their geopolitical positioning, military neutrality, and stable conditions, offering refuge in a World War III scenario. Antarctica Antarctica's extreme southern location makes it one of the safest places during a nuclear war, with vast distances from nuclear powers. Its 14 million square kilometers offer plenty of space for refuge, though the harsh, icy climate can be challenging for survival. Iceland Consistently ranked as one of the most peaceful countries, Iceland has never participated in a full-scale war. Its remote geographical location makes it less susceptible to conventional warfare in Europe, though nuclear fallout could reach it in small amounts. New Zealand With a neutral stance and ranking second in the Global Peace Index, New Zealand offers protection through its mountainous terrain. It is unlikely to be targeted in a Western conflict with Russia, though it has supported Ukraine financially. Switzerland Known for its neutrality, especially during World War II, Switzerland is well-protected by its mountainous landscape and nuclear shelters. Its political neutrality has kept it safe from enemies, and it has not contributed to Ukraine's military efforts. Greenland As the world's largest island, Greenland's remote location and political neutrality make it an unlikely target. Its sparse population of 56,000 further reduces its risk in a global conflict. Indonesia Indonesia maintains a neutral foreign policy, with an emphasis on world peace. Its independent stance and geopolitical positioning make it less likely to be drawn into global conflicts. Tuvalu A small island nation with just 11,000 residents, Tuvalu's limited infrastructure and resources make it an undesirable target. Its location between Hawaii and Australia offers geographical isolation. Argentina Rich in crops like wheat, Argentina could survive a nuclear winter, with food supplies even in the event of global famine. Despite its history of conflict, it remains a relatively safe haven due to its agricultural resources. Bhutan Since declaring neutrality in 1971, Bhutan has remained shielded by its mountainous terrain and landlocked geography. Its strategic position makes it easier to defend from external threats. Chile Chile's extensive coastline, spanning 4,000 miles, and its abundant natural resources provide safety and sustainability. Its advanced infrastructure makes it one of the most developed countries in South America. Fiji Located 2,700 miles from Australia, Fiji's remote location, lack of military focus, and dense forests make it a peaceful haven. Its minimal army and high rank on the Global Peace Index add to its safety. South Africa With abundant fertile land, fresh water, and modern infrastructure, South Africa offers good chances of survival. Its diverse resources and agricultural potential ensure the country can sustain its population during crises.
Fox News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Russia claims US strikes on Iran have opened a ‘Pandora's box' and could lead to global ‘nuclear catastrophe'
Print Close By Greg Norman Published June 23, 2025 Russia's United Nations ambassador is claiming the Trump administration's devastating airstrikes on Iran have opened a "Pandora's box" and could lead to a global "nuclear catastrophe." Vassily Nebenzia, speaking during an emergency meeting of the Security Council on Sunday, said Russia "vehemently condemns the irresponsible, dangerous, and provocative actions taken by the USA against the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is a sovereign country and a U.N. member state." "Through its actions, the U.S. has opened Pandora's box, and no one knows what new consequences this may lead to," Nebenzia said. "I think it is obvious to everyone in this chamber that unless we stop the escalation, the Middle East will find itself on the brink of a large-scale conflict, which is fraught with unpredictable consequences for the entire international security architecture. And the whole world could find itself on the verge of a nuclear catastrophe," he added. IRAN'S FORDOW NUCLEAR SITE STRUCK SECOND TIME AS IDF TARGETS ACCESS ROUTES Nebenzia also accused the Trump administration of being "completely unconcerned about either the radiological consequences or the threat to the lives and health of a huge number of civilians, including women and children, in the region and beyond" following the airstrikes Saturday on Iran's Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities during Operation Midnight Hammer. "We have persistently offered our American colleagues our mediation services so as to find a peaceful and mutually agreeable solution to the contradictions surrounding the Iranian nuclear program. But it appears that diplomacy is not what our U.S. colleagues currently need. Responsibility for all this falls squarely on the shoulders of the American leadership," Nebenzia said, calling for "all parties to exercise restraint and return into the fold of international diplomacy and negotiations." TRUMP'S WEEK AHEAD WILL INCLUDE A TRIP TO THE HAGUE TO MEET WITH NATO LEADERS AS IRAN CRISIS GROWS LARGER International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi also said Monday, "Given the explosive payload utilized, and the extreme vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges, very significant damage is expected to have occurred" at Fordow. "At the Isfahan nuclear site, additional buildings were hit, with the U.S. confirming their use of cruise missiles," he added. "Affected buildings include some related to the uranium conversion process. Also at this site, entrances to tunnels used for the storage of enriched material appear to have been hit. "At the Natanz enrichment site, the Fuel Enrichment Plant was hit, with the U.S. confirming that it used ground-penetrating munitions," Grossi said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "Iran has informed the IAEA that there was no increase in off-site radiation levels at all three sites," he added. Print Close URL
