Ukraine’s UN representative claims Russia is losing the war

Andriy Melnyk, Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, informed the UN Security Council that Russia is losing its war against Ukraine and faces ultimate defeat. Speaking during a session marking Ukraine’s Independence Day, Melnyk accused Moscow of conducting a campaign of “ballistic terror” against civilians.

Melnyk identified three primary drivers of Russia’s military failure: economic exhaustion due to massive war expenditures, international sanctions limiting funding capabilities, and precise Ukrainian strikes on strategic infrastructure. He highlighted Russia’s growing fiscal instability, noting that the federal budget deficit reached approximately 5.8 trillion rubles in the first four months of 2026, significantly exceeding the original annual target of 3.8 trillion rubles. Additionally, Russian oil and gas revenues reportedly fell by nearly 40% year-on-year between January and April.

As evidence of internal Kremlin pressure, Melnyk cited the dismissal of Andrei Klepach, chief economist at the state development corporation VEB.RF, following his warnings regarding Russia’s inability to sustain a prolonged economic war of attrition. The Ukrainian delegation called for a UN resolution to implement an immediate ceasefire and establish a security buffer zone.