Russia appointed Vasily Nebenzya to be the next Russian permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, local media reported on Thursday.
Nebenzya served earlier as a deputy foreign minister of Russia. The position of Russia’s ambassador to the UN was left empty after the sudden passing of long-time envoy to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, in February. Until now, role was filled by his deputy, Pyotr Llichov.
Nebenzya was previously a deputy representative of Russia at the UN office in Geneva. The position of Russia’s ambassador to the UN is of great importance taking into account that Moscow has the power of veto in the UN Security Council.