Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told the UN Security Council that the Russia-Ukraine war will continue, saying Moscow will not suspend its “special military operation” in Ukraine and accusing Europe of trying to use any pause in the fighting to supply weapons to Kyiv.
In New York, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump to discuss efforts to end the war, including the possibility of a bilateral ceasefire deal covering energy-related targets.
Lavrov Rejects Any Suspension of Military Operations
Lavrov said Moscow “will not suspend” its military operation, underscoring Russia’s position that the war, now in its fifth year, will continue.
He added that Europe is trying to exploit any ceasefire or pause in fighting to arm the Kyiv government, reflecting Moscow’s refusal to accept a freeze on the battlefield without political guarantees on its terms.
Zelensky Discusses Energy Ceasefire With Trump
After meeting Trump at the UN headquarters in New York, Zelensky said Kyiv is ready for any form of ceasefire in the energy sector with Moscow.
He said there was no discussion about Ukraine unilaterally stopping its strikes on Russian oil refineries, suggesting that cross-border attacks on energy infrastructure remain part of the conflict.
Possible Three-Way Meeting With Putin
Zelensky said he is ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in a three-way meeting that would also include Trump, expressing hope that the United States can find a way to bring Moscow back to the negotiating table after talks collapsed earlier this year.
The proposal comes as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled, with fighting and political pressure continuing on both sides.
Energy Remains Central to Any Deal
Zelensky’s comments suggest that energy infrastructure remains one of the most sensitive issues in any possible ceasefire arrangement, especially as both sides have targeted oil and power facilities in recent months.
A limited energy ceasefire could serve as an early test of whether the two sides are willing to take small de-escalation steps before any broader peace process.
Diplomatic Stalemate Continues
Lavrov and Zelensky’s remarks highlight the wide gap between Moscow and Kyiv. Russia insists on continuing its military campaign, while Ukraine is trying to keep alive any opening for a ceasefire, even a partial one, with US political backing.
Any effort to bring Russia back to talks will likely depend on battlefield dynamics, Washington’s role, and whether mediators can find a formula that does not hand either side an immediate political win.
Conclusion:
The latest statements show that the Russia-Ukraine war remains far from a settlement despite political activity in New York. Moscow refuses to pause its operations, while Kyiv and Washington continue searching for a path toward negotiations, especially on energy and a limited ceasefire.
