- Foreign Minister Outlines Moscow’s Position on Minsk Agreements, 2022 Istanbul Talks, and Conditions for Lasting Peace
United Nations, New York — Speaking at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine on September 23, 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov outlined Moscow’s assessment of the conflict’s origins, the failure of previous diplomatic efforts, and Russia’s conditions for a negotiated settlement. Lavrov stated that had the 2015 Minsk agreements — reaffirmed in Paris in 2019, with President Zelensky already in office — been implemented as required by the UN Security Council, Ukraine would still be within its 1991 borders, with the exception of Crimea. He noted that the Crimea issue “has long been settled, as everyone fully understands.” the Foreign Minister said Russia’s December 2021 proposals to reach an agreement based on mutual respect for the security interests of Russia, Europe, and North America were “arrogantly rejected” by NATO and the Biden administration.
Special Military Operation Launched to Prevent Western Scenario in Donbass
According to Lavrov, preparations were being made for Kyiv to seize by force the territories of Donbass beyond its control. He stated that Russia was “compelled to launch the special military operation in February 2022” to prevent this Western scenario from unfolding, and that the Ukrainian side requested negotiations just a week later.
Istanbul Talks Produced Initialled Document on Neutral Status and Security Guarantees
Following several rounds in Belarus and Istanbul, Lavrov said, the Ukrainian side proposed key principles for a settlement that Russian negotiators accepted. These principles enshrined Ukraine’s neutral status, recognised realities on the ground, and provided collective security guarantees against any recurrence of armed provocations or attempts at aggression. The document was initialled by both delegations, but was never formalised in a treaty.
Russia Ready for Negotiations Based on Putin’s June 2024 Proposals
Lavrov reaffirmed that Russia — as President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated — is ready for negotiations to achieve a lasting and just peace, with the tasks clearly outlined in Putin’s keynote address in June 2024. However, he emphasised that Russia “will not suspend the special military operation for the duration of negotiations, whatever their format.”
Moscow Accuses Europe of Seeking Respite to Rearm Kyiv
The Foreign Minister stated that Europe wants a pause in hostilities “with the same simple aim of securing a respite and replenishing the depleted arsenals of the Kiev regime,” which he said has “long since resorted to openly terrorist methods.”
Lavrov Criticises Secretariat Over Greenland and Self-Determination Questions
Lavrov contrasted the situations of Greenland, Crimea, and Donbass, and said Russia awaits the Secretariat’s response to questions journalists may ask about the plans of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. He expressed hope that the next Secretary-General will bring Secretariat statements back into line with international law.
Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity Apply Only to States Respecting Self-Determination, Lavrov Argues
Citing the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States, Lavrov noted that the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity apply to states that respect equal rights and self-determination of peoples and have a government representing the whole people without distinction as to race, creed, or colour. He stated it is “obvious to everyone” that the Kyiv regime cannot be regarded as a government representing the interests of the people of Crimea, Donbass, and Novorossiya.
BY: The Times Union
