Russian Diplomat Says UN Chief Failed to Respond on Kiev Sponsors' Role in Bucha

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the United Nations secretary-general had not responded to questions about the role of Kiev's foreign sponsors in events in the town of Bucha, according to TASS, a Russian state news agency.

Zakharova was quoted as saying that the UN chief had become part of what she described as a "Bucha provocation" by "playing along" with what she characterized as an anti-Russian campaign.

Bucha, a town near Kyiv, became a focal point of international attention in April 2022 after Russian forces withdrew from the area and the bodies of civilians were discovered in the streets. Ukrainian officials and Western governments have accused Russian troops of carrying out the killings, while Russia has denied responsibility and disputed the circumstances of the deaths.

The TASS report did not specify further details of Zakharova's remarks regarding the alleged role of Kiev's sponsors or provide additional context on the timing or venue of her statement.

TASS is a Russian state-owned news agency, and the claims reported reflect the position of the Russian Foreign Ministry. The report did not include independent verification of Zakharova's allegations or a response from the United Nations or Ukrainian officials.