Russia accuses UN chief of selective approach to self-determination

ISTANBUL

Russia on Friday accused UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of applying a selective approach to the right of peoples to self-determination after the UN rejected comparisons between Greenland and the Donbas and Crimea regions.

Speaking at a briefing in Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized remarks by the UN chief's office, which said the right to self-determination cited in the case of Greenland could not be applied to Donbas and Crimea.

“By denying this right to the people of Donbas and Crimea, Antonio Guterres is effectively assuming the role of an arbiter of fate, deciding at his own discretion who has which rights,” Zakharova said.

She accused the UN chief of abandoning the principles of the UN Charter and acting as a “conduit for Western propaganda.”

Zakharova also claimed that UN legal experts had overstepped their mandate. “Assessing the nationality of certain territories does not fall within the secretary-general’s authority,” she said.

The Russian diplomat also commented on remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the World Economic Forum in Davos, using harsh language to criticize what she described as “aggressive rhetoric” and dismissing Kyiv’s stated interest in peace.

She said Zelenskyy’s stance was reinforced after contacts with US President Donald Trump, adding that the Ukrainian leader had urged European allies to increase pressure on Russia.

Zakharova also blamed Ukraine’s leadership for the country’s current energy crisis and criticized discussions in the EU about a possible ban on Russian gas supplies.

She said Russia has already redirected exports toward Asia and would protect its exporters if the EU fails to honor long-term contracts.

Zakharova also commented on relations between Russia and Türkiye, describing Ankara as a neighboring country and a long-standing partner.

She said Moscow attaches importance to maintaining close dialogue with Ankara, stressing that bilateral cooperation plays a significant role in strengthening international security, including in the Black Sea region.

According to Zakharova, sustained Russia-Türkiye engagement also contributes to efforts to find solutions within the Middle East peace process.