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Andrii Melnyk asserts Russia is losing the war as the UN Security Council addresses Ukraine's Independence Day

Andrii Melnyk, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stated that Russia is losing the war it started due to increasing economic strain from military spending and sanctions. During a UN Security Council meeting, Melnyk highlighted that Russia's budget deficit reached 5.8 trillion roubles in the first four months of 2026, significantly exceeding the government's planned annual deficit. He criticized the Kremlin's tactical advances and described the current situation as a 'theatre of the absurd' where Ukraine is being destroyed by Russian ballistic missiles. Melnyk urged the international community to take decisive action, including imposing more painful sanctions and providing Ukraine with all available Patriot missiles. He also noted that Russia's ability to sustain a prolonged war of attrition is declining as military losses outpace recruitment. While the United Nations and 50 countries called for a ceasefire, the United States declined to join the UN statement condemning Russia's attacks. The administration announced that the US will continue to work with European partners on a new peace framework.

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