Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, stated that Moscow intends to continue the war against Ukraine until the objectives set out by the Kremlin are achieved. According to him, the Russian side expects to «eliminate threats to its security» and then return to peaceful life. The statement came against the backdrop of US diplomatic contacts with Ukraine and Russia regarding possible steps towards de-escalation.
Briefly about the main points
- Lavrov addressed the UN General Assembly in New York.
- He stated that the Russian Federation is not abandoning its war aims.
- Moscow also has no plans to suspend hostilities whilst negotiations are taking place.
- At the same time, the US is pursuing new diplomatic channels.
What Lavrov said at the UN General Assembly
Lavrov spoke on 26 September during the general debate at the 81st session UN General Assembly in New York. The very fact that he spoke is confirmed by the UN’s official broadcast.
During his speech, the Russian minister once again used the Kremlin’s official term «special military operation», which the Russian authorities use to describe the full-scale war against Ukraine.
«The objectives of the special military operation will be achieved, the threats to Russia’s security will be eliminated, and normal life will be restored,» Lavrov said.
He also said that Moscow intends to «see through to the end» what the Russian authorities call the struggle for «truth and justice».
Russia has no plans to suspend hostilities whilst negotiations are taking place
This latest statement is in line with the position Lavrov set out a few days earlier.
On 23 September, at a meeting of the UN Security Council, he stated that Russia was allegedly ready for negotiations on a «lasting and just peace», but will not cease hostilities whilst the negotiation process is ongoing.
At the time, Lavrov stated quite clearly that Moscow had no intention of calling a «pause» in the war, regardless of the format of the negotiations.
Following his meeting with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio the Russian side has not demonstrated a willingness to immediately ceasefire, although Washington continues to work on limited agreements concerning energy and the Black Sea.
Negotiations with the US are ongoing
Lavrov was in New York for the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week and held a meeting with Marco Rubio.
Following the talks, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Moscow had reaffirmed its commitment to achieving its stated war aims, whilst leaving the door open to a political and diplomatic solution, provided that what the Kremlin terms the «root causes of the conflict» are resolved.
For its part, the US administration is holding parallel consultations with Kyiv.
Among the options for de-escalation under discussion are a mutual cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure, the restoration of safe navigation in the Black Sea, and further negotiations between the parties. Reuters reported that Ukraine and its partners are trying to reach at least limited agreements before the onset of winter.
The UN’s stance on the war remains unchanged
Lavrov’s statements came against the backdrop of the UN General Assembly’s position, which continues to describe Russia’s actions as a full-scale invasion and emphasises the need to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On 24 September, the UN once again called for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with the Organisation’s Charter. During the current session, Secretary-General António Guterres also described Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a violation of the UN Charter.
Thus, Lavrov’s speech contains no indication that Moscow is abandoning its preconditions or is prepared to bring hostilities to an immediate halt. On the contrary, the Russian minister reiterated that the Kremlin intends to pursue its stated objectives whilst continuing to engage in diplomatic talks.
