During a recent UN Security Council meeting held to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian diplomat V. Nebenzia made controversial remarks asserting his Ukrainian identity. He stated that he has Ukrainian heritage, boasting about his ancestry from Zaporizhia Cossacks, while provocatively claiming that Ukrainians and Russians share a 'common nationality.' This statement reflects a broader narrative employed by Russian officials to delegitimize Ukrainian sovereignty.

Nebenzia's comments took a sharp turn as he accused Ukraine of being disloyal to its historical roots, uttering accusations of 'Kyivan Rus treachery' and echoing the Kremlin's standard rhetoric about 'Nazis' in the Ukrainian government. He indicated that the conflict would persist 'for as long as necessary,' implying a long-term commitment to the war. Such statements are not only an attempt to undermine Ukrainian identity but also signal the Russian government's unyielding stance towards the ongoing conflict.

Furthermore, the diplomat criticized European countries within the UN for their alleged lack of interest in a peaceful resolution to the war. His claims that Europe is 'clearly disinclined' to support the ongoing trilateral negotiations reveal Russia's tactic of shifting blame to others while reinforcing its own aggressive policies in Ukraine. The combination of mocked claims and derogatory accusations paint a bleak picture of the diplomatic landscape surrounding the Ukraine conflict, highlighting the challenge of achieving a peaceful settlement as tensions continue to escalate.