Russia’s UN Envoy Nebenzya Claims Ukrainian Heritage, Sparks Outrage
During a United Nations Security Council meeting commemorating the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, Russian Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, made the claim that he is, in fact, Ukrainian. This assertion drew a sharp rebuke from Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maryana Betsa, who firmly rejected Nebenzya’s attempt to connect himself to Ukrainian identity.
Nebenzya’s Claims of Ukrainian Roots
Nebenzya reportedly stated that his father was a “big Ukrainian” and his mother descended from “the Cossacks.” He reiterated the long-standing Russian narrative that Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians are one people, suggesting that the destruction of Ukrainians is, in his words, a form of salvation.
Ukraine’s Response
Betsa responded directly to Nebenzya, stating unequivocally that he has no connection to Ukraine and should cease pretending to be Ukrainian. “Firstly, Mr. Nebenzya, you are not Ukrainian, and don’t pretend to be one. Secondly, we have never been and will never be one people with Russia,” Betsa emphasized.
She contrasted Ukraine as a “democratic, free European country” with Russia, which she characterized as a “dictatorial state that unleashed aggression, genocide, terrorism and commits war crimes.”
Propaganda and Disinformation
Betsa characterized Nebenzya’s statement as a clear example of manipulation, disinformation, and Russian propaganda.
UN Resolution on Ukraine
The exchange occurred following the UN General Assembly’s support for a resolution “Supporting lasting peace in Ukraine.” This resolution calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and reaffirms the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The United States abstained from the final vote on the resolution.
Vasily Nebenzya has served as the Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations since July 2017. He was previously the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation from 2013 to 2017.