Russia will ultimately lose the war it started against Ukraine, according to statements made by Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Andriy Melnyk, during a UN Security Council meeting dedicated to Ukraine’s Independence Day, as cited by Ukrinform. Melnyk pointed to severe economic strain, growing military costs, and targeted Ukrainian strikes against Russian infrastructure as key factors driving that trajectory.
Economic Pressures and Budget Deficits in Russia
The diplomatic remarks highlighted mounting financial difficulties inside Russia, highlighted by the firing of Andrei Klepach, the chief economist at the second-largest Russian state bank, VEB.RF. According to Melnyk, Klepach was dismissed by direct order of the Kremlin following critical remarks regarding the true state of the Russian economy and warnings that Moscow cannot win a protracted economic conflict against Ukraine. Those warnings contradict claims from Russian President Vladimir Putin that the country is successfully overcoming financial pressures.
Official figures underscore the severity of the downturn. Data from the Russian Ministry of Finance shows that federal budget revenues from oil and gas dropped by nearly 40 percent year-on-year in the first four months of the year. During that same four-month period, Russia’s budget deficit reached 5,8 триллиона rubles, outpacing the government’s entire annual target of 3,8 триллиона rubles.
Melnyk stated that Russia’s economy faces its most difficult period since the full-scale invasion began. Military spending, Western sanctions, and successful Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian oil and gas sectors continue to squeeze state finances. He added that the Kremlin exaggerates tactical gains to project an image of continuous military victory while losses outpace recruitment rates.
Did You Know?
In the first four months of the year, Russia’s federal budget deficit reached 5,8 триллиона rubles, significantly higher than the government’s entire projected annual plan of 3,8 триллиона rubles, according to data from the Russian Ministry of Finance cited by Ukrainian diplomats at the UN.
Diplomatic Appeals and Criticism of the UN Security Council
During the same Security Council session, Melnyk sharply criticized the international body for failing to stop what he termed the daily genocide of the Ukrainian people. He called the situation a severe theater of absurdity and urged international partners to deliver all available Patriot air defense missile interceptors currently held in storage.
Melnyk asserted that Russia initiated a campaign of ballistic terror, exploiting a critical shortage of air defense interceptors in Ukraine. While US Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dan Negrea urged both Russia and Ukraine during the meeting to halt attacks on civilian targets and return to the negotiating table, Ukrainian officials pressed for immediate material support.
Melnyk called for the end of Russia’s veto power abuse within the UN and demanded the imposition of sweeping sanctions targeting weapons-producing enterprises. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga previously noted that the Security Council gathering was scheduled specifically to address the consequences of the war on Independence Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Andriy Melnyk say about Russia’s war in Ukraine?
Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the UN stated that Russia is already losing and will ultimately lose the war, citing severe economic strain, heavy military expenses, and successful Ukrainian strikes against Russian energy infrastructure.
Why was VEB.RF chief economist Andrei Klepach dismissed?
According to Melnyk, Klepach was fired by direct order of the Kremlin after warning that Russia could not win a prolonged economic war against Ukraine and pointing out severe underlying problems in the national economy.
What are the current figures regarding Russia’s budget deficit?
Data cited during the UN session indicates that Russia’s budget deficit reached 5,8 триллиона rubles in the first four months of the year, exceeding the full-year target of 3,8 триллиона rubles, while oil and gas revenues fell by nearly 40 percent year-on-year.
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