Lavrov Accuses Europe of Blocking Ukraine Peace Talks in UN Assembly Speech
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the United Nations General Assembly that Moscow will achieve its military goals in Ukraine, accusing European governments of obstructing peace negotiations supported by the Trump administration.
Speech to the General Assembly
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday, asserting that Moscow will achieve its military goals in Ukraine regardless of the circumstances. In his address, Lavrov stated that the objectives of what Moscow terms the special military operation will be completed, Russian security concerns addressed, and normal life restored. He directed sharp criticism toward European governments, accusing them of systematically attempting to derail potential peace talks. According to Lavrov, European leaders are actively working against diplomatic efforts sought by the United States administration under Donald Trump.
He outlined his accusation directly from the assembly podium.
Europe is doing everything in its power to thwart the peace negotiations desired by the Trump administration.
Direct Talks With German Leadership
Prior to his address to the general assembly, Lavrov met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in a closed-door session at the United Nations headquarters. The encounter is the first bilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of Russia and Germany since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Lavrov last met with a German foreign minister in January 2022, when he held discussions with Annalena Baerbock weeks before the outbreak of full-scale hostilities. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that the German delegation requested strict limits on media access and asked that discussions proceed without audio recordings.
- Lavrov meets German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock before the invasion of Ukraine
- Explosive drone incident at Leipzig airport triggers mutual consulate closures
- Lavrov and Johann Wadephul hold first bilateral ministerial talks since 2022 at the UN
Strains Over Drone Attack and Casualties
The bilateral discussions occurred following a sharp deterioration in diplomatic relations between Berlin and Moscow. German authorities previously accused Russia of directing an explosive-laden drone toward Leipzig airport in early August 2026. That incident led both countries to shut down several mutual consular missions. German officials reported that Wadephul urged Moscow to abandon its path of escalation toward Germany, Europe, and the NATO alliance, asserting that hybrid operations will not weaken Berlin's backing for Kyiv. Wadephul also condemned strikes against Ukrainian civilians, noting that tens of thousands of Russian soldiers die monthly in a positional stalemate while Russia's economy deteriorates. German representatives reiterated that any settlement requires the full withdrawal of Russian troops and a lasting ceasefire.
Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz
During his appearance in New York, Lavrov also addressed rising maritime tensions in the Middle East. He declared that Moscow stands ready to assist in stabilizing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, an essential transit corridor for global energy shipments. His statement followed an announcement by Donald Trump rejecting a proposal submitted by Iran to reopen the waterway within seven days. Lavrov called for establishing regional security agreements based on mutual trust among regional governments.
He spoke on the requirements for regional security.
We need confidence in relations between the Gulf states, Arab states, and Iran. We need a stable regional architecture.
