Lavrov says Russia will not pause military operation during Ukraine talks

September 23, 2026 at 10:20 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow will not pause its military operation in Ukraine even during negotiations, speaking at the UN Security Council on September 23. He accused European countries of seeking a ceasefire to allow Ukraine to replenish its weapons stockpiles. His remarks came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said both Russia and Ukraine had shown interest in a limited ceasefire covering energy and grain supplies.

Key Facts

Lavrov stated Russia will not pause its special military operation during negotiations in any format, speaking at the UN Security Council on September 23.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said after meeting Lavrov that both Russia and Ukraine had shown interest in a limited ceasefire covering energy and grain supplies.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv had agreed to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire and called on Russia to do the same.
51 UN member states issued a joint statement calling on Russia to cease hostilities and engage in substantive negotiations, noting Ukraine had agreed to a full ceasefire in March 2025.

Lavrov's UN Address

Speaking at the UN Security Council on September 23, Lavrov said Russia is ready for negotiations aimed at a long-term and sustainable settlement in Ukraine. He stated that Russia, having learned from bitter experience, will not pause its special military operation during negotiations in any format. Lavrov accused European countries of seeking a pause to give the Kyiv regime a respite and replenish its depleted military arsenals.

Diplomatic Exchanges

Shortly before the UN session, Lavrov met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. After the meeting, Rubio said both Russia and Ukraine had shown interest in a limited ceasefire that could cover energy and grain supplies. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Lavrov confirmed Russia's unconditional commitment to achieving the goals of the special military operation, including through political and diplomatic settlement.

International Pressure

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv had agreed to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire and called on Russia to accept the same. A joint statement by 51 UN member states called on Russia to cease hostilities and move to substantive negotiations. The signatories noted that Ukraine had agreed to a full ceasefire as early as March 2025. The statement was signed by most European countries, as well as Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and others.