Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations accused Germany and other Western countries of having springs in the conflict in Ukraine similar to those of the Nazis in World War II.

“In this war, just like 80 years ago, insidious and powerful enemies are involved who want to take over our country and subjugate us,” said Vasily Nebenzia, addressing the General Assembly.

“Once again, German tanks will kill Russians,” he added, referring to the heavily armored Leopard 2 that the governments of Germany and other European states have promised to send to the Ukrainian army.

As tomorrow marks one year since the Russian invasion of Ukrainian territory, the UN General Assembly is expected today to pass a resolution calling for peace in Ukraine and for Russia to withdraw its troops. Ambassadors and senior officials from dozens of countries are scheduled to speak ahead of the vote, including the US, Britain and Germany.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly accused the West of causing the war in Ukraine and of using the conflict as a tool to weaken if not wipe his country off the map. The American counterpart of Joe Biden, for his part, objected yesterday Tuesday that “Putin chose this war” and “he can end it with one of his words”, insisting that “the USA and the countries of Europe do not even seek to control, nor destroy Russia”, in his speech in Warsaw.

On the battlefields, clashes are raging and there is not the slightest sign that the parties are considering negotiating.