Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya stated on Friday that Moscow has firmly rejected Germany’s ambition to obtain a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

The Russian diplomat clarified that “if the council is reformed, some countries will never become permanent members, even if they aspire to do so,” specifically mentioning Germany and Japan.

Discussions about reforming the Security Council have been ongoing for years, with India and several African nations hoping to secure a permanent seat.