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War in Ukraine

Moscow Signals Readiness for Peace Talks, but Rules Out Halting Military Operations

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Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine during the 81st United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2026. (Source: Getty Images)
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine during the 81st United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2026. (Source: Getty Images)

Moscow is open to peace talks with Ukraine, but will not pause its military operations during any potential negotiations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the statement on September 23 during a United Nations meeting, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda.

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"We will not pause the special military operation  during negotiations in any format," Lavrov stated.

He claimed that European nations desire a pause for the simple goal of gaining a respite to replenish the military supplies of the Ukrainian leadership.

Lavrov further reiterated Russia's stated objectives for its full-scale invasion, claiming the campaign aims to ensure Russian security and protect the rights of Russian speakers in Crimea, the Donbas, and other areas of Ukraine.

On September 23, 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States had formally invited Russian leader Vladimir Putin to attend the upcoming G20 summit in Miami, Florida.

Speaking after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Rubio stated that the event would provide Putin an opportunity to engage with US President Donald Trump and other world leaders.

He noted that the US was prepared to play a constructive role in facilitating a ceasefire, adding that both sides had shown interest in a limited truce covering grain and energy to help reduce global pressures.

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"Special military operation" is official state-mandated euphemism used by the Russian government and Kremlin-aligned media to refer to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched on February 24, 2022.

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