Russia's UN Envoy: Ukraine in NATO 'Red Line' for Russia

Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations asserted, on Monday, that Ukrainian membership in NATO is a red line for Russia.

Speaking at an emergency session of the UN General Assembly, Vasily Nebenzya emphasized that Moscow has no plans to "occupy" Ukraine, adding that Russian forces do not pose any threat to Ukrainian civilians or civilian infrastructure.

"The occupation of Ukraine is not part of our plans. The purpose of this special operation is to protect people [in the Donbass] who have been subjected to abuse and genocide by the Kiev regime for eight years. For this, it is necessary to demilitarise and denazify Ukraine," Nebenzya said.

"We will also strive to bring to justice those who committed countless and bloody crimes against civilians, including citizens of the Russian Federation," he added.

The envoy also warned that "the deployment of NATO infrastructure in [Ukraine] would compel us to take such measures in response which that would put Russia and NATO on the brink of conflict."

"For us, Ukraine joining NATO is a red line, first and foremost from a military strategic level," he stressed.

In addition, Nebenzya highlighted Washington and NATO's roles in escalating the Ukrainian crisis, accusing them of egging Kiev on to act with impunity in the Donbass.

"Moreover, our Western colleagues have shamelessly inundated the country with weapons, have sent instructors to the country and effectively incited Ukrainians...to engage in an armed provocation against the Donbass," he noted.