Ukraine's UN ambassador Melnyk calls for tougher measures against Russia

Ukraine's UN ambassador Andriy Melnyk called on the United Nations Security Council on Monday to take stronger measures against Russia. Saying that condemnations were not enough, Melnyk called for sweeping and severe sanctions against Russia.

Scraper SystemAugust 25, 2026, 10:19 AM

Ukraine's UN ambassador Melnyk calls for tougher measures against Russia

Ukraine's UN ambassador Andriy Melnyk called on the United Nations Security Council to take stronger measures against Russia.

Addressing the council, Melnyk said Ukrainians were celebrating Independence Day with "mixed feelings." He said Russia's war had entered what he called its "most barbaric phase" and argued that Ukraine was being targeted with ballistic missiles and drones.

Call for more effective measures by the council

Melnyk argued that the international community had limited its response to condemnations and meetings concerning Russia, without taking effective measures to hold Moscow accountable. He also said some council members had avoided directly naming Russia in statements about the war.

Melnyk said the Security Council had so far failed to take effective action to hold Russia accountable and prevent attacks against Ukraine. Criticizing the situation, Melnyk said only decisive action could halt Russia's war capacity and called for "the harshest and most comprehensive sanctions" against Russia.

Response to Russia's accusations

Ukraine's UN ambassador also criticized statements by Russia's UN ambassador Vasily Nebenzya concerning Ukraine's attacks on targets in Russian territory. Melnyk said he did not find Nebenzya's accusations that civilians in Russia had been harmed sincere.