Ukraine's UN ambassador addresses Security Council over Russian disinformation about Ukrainian Armed Forces

Andrii Melnyk, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has spoken about Russia's ongoing disinformation campaign against the Ukrainian Armed Forces at a UN Security Council meeting.

Source: Melnyk at the UN Security Council, as reported by Ukrinform

Details: Melnyk responded to statements by Vasily Nebenzya, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, who had claimed that Ukraine was concerned about global attention shifting away from Russia's war against Ukraine to developments in the Middle East. The Ukrainian diplomat said such remarks reflect Russia's declining credibility and dwindling influence in the region.

Quote: "The truth is that it is Ukraine that is extending a hand of practical assistance to its partners in the Gulf, helping them protect their energy infrastructure from criminal strikes by Iranian drones and missiles supported by Russia."

Details: Melnyk stressed that Russia is a key ally of the Iranian regime, which, he said, had betrayed Gulf countries, "delivered them a knife in the back" and used its veto power to block a critically important draft resolution on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

He also pointed to mobilisation problems in Russia and significant battlefield losses.

Quote: "Instead of spreading disinformation about the Ukrainian army aimed at driving a wedge and sowing a division in our society, perhaps Mr. Nebenzya should reflect on the alarming reality inside Russia's armed forces."

Details: Melnyk said Russia has been losing at least 30,000 to 35,000 troops every month since the beginning of 2026, with combat losses now exceeding planned contract recruitment levels.

He added that the Kremlin is facing serious difficulties in attracting volunteers despite offering substantial financial incentives. As a result, regional authorities are competing with each other by offering increasingly high signing bonuses.

Melnyk also said that Russia's military recruitment relies heavily on coercion and pressure on vulnerable groups, including prisoners, migrants, newly naturalised citizens and mercenaries.

Background: It was previously reported that the UN Security Council would meet on 20 April to discuss the recent Russian strikes on Ukraine.

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