Envoy to NATO Grushko Main Candidate for Russian Ambassador to UN

Russian envoy to NATO Alexander Grushko is the main candidate for the post of Russian permanent representative to the United Nations, an informed source in the Russian parliament told Sputnik on Tuesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — At least three other sources have confirmed that Grushko is a favorite candidate for the post.

"Grusko's candidacy is considered to be the main on the list," the source said.

Former Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin passed away in February a day before turning 65. He served as Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations and the Russian representative in the UN Security Council from April 2006 until his death.

The Russian mission to the UN is currently headed by Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Vladimir Safronkov until the new envoy is appointed.