Andriy Melnyk, Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, addressed the Russian delegation during a recent meeting, urging for enhanced sanctions against Russia’s energy exports. His comments come in light of recent exemptions that could yield significant revenue for Russia.
Melnyk emphasized that these exemptions could generate approximately $10 billion for Russia in April alone. He questioned the intentions behind these profits, stating, “Does anyone believe that this windfall will fund schools, hospitals, or sanitation? They will finance Russia’s war against Ukraine.” He further noted that such funds could potentially support the production of up to half a million deadly drones.
In his remarks, Melnyk called on American partners to adopt a tougher stance against Russia. He also reached out to European Union leaders, proposing measures to dismantle Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which aids in circumventing existing sanctions. He urged countries in the Global South to join in imposing restrictions on Russian energy supplies, stating, “This loophole must be closed permanently.”
Additionally, Melnyk suggested that European allies increase military assistance to Ukraine to the level of 1% of their GDP, asserting that such a move would send a strong message to Moscow regarding the war’s outcome.
He pointed out that the negotiation process has been effectively stalled by Russia for nearly two months and urged the UN Security Council to take decisive action. He proposed that European members initiate a new resolution that includes not only calls for action but also tangible mechanisms to enforce a ceasefire, including targeted sanctions.
Melnyk argued that if Russia genuinely sought peace, it would not obstruct decisions regarding an immediate ceasefire and the exchange of prisoners under the “all for all” formula. He stressed that any new resolution should serve as an effective tool rather than a mere formal statement without consequences.
In addressing the Russian representative Vasily Nebenzya, Melnyk expressed confidence that Russia would not win the war, asserting that even high oil prices would not save its leadership. He used a well-known Russian saying, stating, “Поздно, Вася, пить боржоми” (“It’s too late, Vasya, to drink Borjomi”), before adding in English, “When the kidneys have already failed.”
Ukrainian diplomat Andriy Melnyk has called for increased sanctions against Russia's energy sector during a UN meeting, emphasizing the need for decisive action from international partners. He highlighted the financial implications of recent exemptions and proposed measures to enhance military support for Ukraine.