Russian diplomat Maria Zakharova criticized UN Secretary-General Guterres regarding Crimea and Donbas and accused Poland of hindering the Nord Stream sabotage investigation.
Zakharova vs Guterres
During a briefing on January 30 in Moscow, Maria Zakharova commented on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ statements regarding Crimea and Donbas. Guterres had previously stated that the principles of national self-determination cannot be applied to territories recognized by the international community as occupied by Russia.
Zakharova Attacks the UN Chief
According to Zakharowa, the UN Secretary-General’s position is unacceptable. She stated that denying Donbas the right to self-determination makes Guterres an “instrument of Western propaganda.” Her statement was cited by the Russian TASS agency. The Russian diplomat argued that the UN is moving away from its principles and aligning with the Western narrative about the war in Ukraine.
Poland in the Context of Nord Stream
During the briefing, Zakharova also addressed the explosion of the Nord Stream gas pipeline. She expressed hope that Poland would “fulfill its international obligations” and not shelter a person suspected of sabotage. She noted that Italy quickly handed over a suspect to Germany, while Poland is allegedly trying to hinder the establishment of truth. Russia, according to Zakharova, does not uncritically accept the theory that only Ukrainians were behind the Nord Stream attack, calling for an investigation into possible Western service involvement.
The Case of the Sabotage Suspect
Behind the Russian accusations lies a Polish court decision refusing to extradite to Germany a Ukrainian citizen wanted by a European arrest warrant in connection with the gas pipeline explosion. The court lifted the suspect’s temporary detention and ordered his release.
