Russia Will Not Pause Military Operation for Ukraine Talks, Sergey Lavrov Tells UN
Russia will not pause its special military operation during negotiations with Ukraine in any format, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the UN Security Council. Citing 'bitter experience,' Lavrov accused European nations of seeking a operational respite merely to replenish depleted military stockpiles for the Kyiv government as combat continues unabated.
Russia will not suspend its special military operation for any negotiations with Ukraine, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting of the UN Security Council on Ukraine. Delivering Moscow's position before the international body in New York, Lavrov stated that previous diplomatic engagements had convinced the Kremlin not to declare temporary battlefront truces while talks take place.
The declaration comes amid renewed international deliberations on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly regarding possible pathways to de-escalation, TASS reported. Lavrov maintained that while Moscow remains open to substantive dialogue aimed at resolving the conflict, combat operations on the ground will continue uninterrupted regardless of any ongoing negotiation format. Warm Handshakes, Global Bonhomie: PM Modi Shares Moments With Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping As 18th BRICS Summit Begins.
Rejection of Operational Pauses During Negotiations
Addressing delegates at the Security Council session, Lavrov directly ruled out halting combat operations as a precondition or accompaniment to diplomatic discussions.
"Having learned from bitter experience, we will not pause the special military operation for the duration of negotiations in any format," he said.
The minister pointed to past rounds of talks, arguing that prior cessations in fighting were exploited by Western nations to reinforce Ukrainian defensive lines rather than advance durable peace frameworks. Iran ‘Did Not Bend the Knee’: President Masoud Pezeshkian Condemns USA and Israel at UNGA Amid US Walkout (Video).
Accusations Against European Nations and Kyiv
Lavrov criticized European governments for advocating ceasefires, claiming their objective is to buy time to rearm Ukrainian forces rather than secure a genuine settlement.
"Although this is precisely what Europe wants, all with the same simple goal: to gain a respite and replenish the depleted military arsenals of the Kiev regime, which, out of desperation, has long since resorted to openly terrorist methods," he added.
The remarks underscore Moscow's firm stance that any future settlement must address Russia's core security objectives directly, rejecting interim operational pauses while military engagements continue across the front lines.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2026 11:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
