Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated at the United Nations General Assembly in New York that European nations are actively obstructing peace initiatives for Ukraine, putting them at odds with the current approach of the United States. Speaking on Sept. 26, 2026, Lavrov asserted that Moscow will achieve its military objectives in Ukraine regardless of external circumstances, according to reporting by AFP.
Lavrov Targets European Stances on Peace and UN Reform
During his address at the UN, Lavrov claimed that Europe is doing everything in its power to derail peace talks desired by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. He reiterated that Russia’s ongoing invasion—termed a special military operation by Moscow—aims to eliminate perceived security threats and restore calm. Shifting to institutional governance, Lavrov also argued that any reform of the UN Security Council must not grant additional permanent seats to Western nations, specifically singling out Germany and Japan for what he described as pursuing a path of militarism.
Berlin-Moscow Tensions and High-Level Diplomacy
Prior to his UN address, Lavrov met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. This encounter marked the first direct diplomatic talks between high-ranking officials from Berlin and Moscow since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Relations between Germany and Russia have deteriorated sharply following a September announcement by German authorities holding Moscow responsible for a hybrid attack on the Leipzig/Halle airport in eastern Germany. Both countries responded to the incident by shutting down their respective general consulates.
Following their New York meeting, Wadephul urged Russia to de-escalate tensions and emphasized that incidents like the Leipzig airport attack severely strain relations. However, the German foreign minister maintained that such hostility will not deter Berlin from continuing its support for Ukraine. Wadephul noted that a return to constructive diplomacy remains possible only if Russian leadership demonstrates a genuine willingness to end the war and cooperate on European stability. According to the German diplomat, the clear prerequisite for conflict resolution involves ending Russian aggression, withdrawing troops, and establishing a permanent ceasefire.
Global Flashpoints: The Hormuz Strait
Beyond the European theater, Lavrov addressed maritime stability in the Middle East. He stated that Russia stands ready to help stabilize the situation in the Hormuz Strait. This offer followed closely on the heels of an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump rejecting an Iranian proposal to reopen the vital shipping route, which remains critical for the global economy.
Related reading