Ukrainian Permanent Representative to the UN, Responding to the Russian Delegation, Switched to Russian for a Few Words
During a UN Security Council meeting, Russian Permanent Representative Vasily Nebenzya stated that Russia would achieve the goals of the "SMO" (Special Military Operation) in any case. Ukrainian representative Andrii Melnyk responded to him.
Andrii Melnyk. Photo: Michael Kappeler / picture alliance via Getty Images
Russian Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, stated that Russia relies on diplomacy to achieve its goals in Ukraine, but this scenario is hampered by "European hawks."
— "I think today no one doubts that Russia will achieve the goals of the "SMO" in any case. The question is whether it will happen by military or diplomatic means," he stated during a UN Security Council meeting.
Ukrainian Permanent Representative Andrii Melnyk, commenting on possible plans involving the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas, switched to Russian in his response:
"«We are not at a Christmas market. We are not at the infamous Cherkizovsky market. Russia wants Ukraine to capitulate. But here's my answer: you'll get a hole from a bagel, not Ukraine!»"
The UN Security Council meeting, which took place on December 9, was dedicated to the intensification of shelling of Ukraine's civilian population and infrastructure.