Lavrov Addresses Ukraine Conflict and Peace Efforts at UN Security Council

New York, The Gulf Observer: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the United Nations Security Council that Moscow remains ready for negotiations aimed at achieving what he described as a lasting and just peace in Ukraine, while ruling out a suspension of Russia’s military operation during negotiations.

Speaking at a Security Council meeting on the maintenance of international peace and security in Ukraine, Lavrov presented Russia’s account of the origins of the conflict and the diplomatic efforts surrounding the 2015 Minsk agreements and subsequent negotiations in 2022. The meeting was held on September 23 during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

Lavrov argued that implementation of the 2015 Minsk agreements, which he said were reaffirmed in Paris in 2019, would have allowed Ukraine to retain its 1991 borders, with the exception of Crimea. He also said Russia’s proposals of December 2021 for an agreement addressing what Moscow described as the security interests of Russia and European and North American countries were rejected by NATO and the administration of then-US President Joe Biden.

According to Lavrov, Russia subsequently launched its military operation in February 2022 after what he characterized as preparations for a Ukrainian military effort in the Donbass. He said Ukraine requested negotiations shortly afterward and that several rounds of talks were subsequently held in Belarus and Istanbul.

Lavrov said Ukrainian and Russian negotiators later developed a set of principles for a possible settlement, including Ukrainian neutrality, recognition of the situation on the ground and collective security guarantees. He claimed the document was initialled by both delegations but was not subsequently formalized as a treaty.

The Russian foreign minister said Moscow remained prepared to negotiate a settlement based on the objectives outlined by President Vladimir Putin in June 2024. However, he emphasized that Russia would not suspend its military operation for the duration of negotiations, regardless of their format.

“Having learned from bitter experience, we will not suspend the special military operation for the duration of negotiations, whatever their format,” Lavrov said.

He also criticized European countries, alleging that they sought a pause in hostilities to replenish Ukraine’s military arsenals. These statements represent the Russian government’s position on the conflict.

The UN, meanwhile, continues to affirm Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council on September 23 that the United Nations’ position on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remained unchanged and that Russia’s attempted annexations of Ukrainian territories were not recognized by the international community.

Lavrov also addressed questions concerning territorial integrity and self-determination, referring to the UN Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States. He argued that the Ukrainian government did not represent the interests of populations in Crimea, Donbass and other territories claimed by Russia.

The Russian foreign minister additionally criticized statements attributed to UN Secretariat officials concerning Greenland and questioned how similar principles might be applied to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Security Council meeting took place amid continuing international diplomatic efforts over the Ukraine conflict. The UN said the September 23 session focused on the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine, while UN officials warned of intensifying attacks, mounting civilian casualties and increasing regional risks.