Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Addresses 81st UN General Assembly
Moscow outlines position on global security and multipolar world order during High-Level Week in New York
Quick Look
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addresses the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, emphasizing Moscow's stance on global security, NATO expansion, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine while engaging in high-level diplomatic talks.
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Why It Matters
The UN General Debate is part of High-Level Week, themed around restoring trust and managing transformation. Russia maintains that the Ukraine conflict stems from NATO expansion and the failure of the Minsk agreements.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is addressing the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, setting out Moscow’s position on global security and the emerging multipolar world order.
Lavrov arrived in New York earlier this week for a diplomatic marathon on the sidelines of the gathering, holding talks with senior officials from around the globe, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi, and many others.
His General Assembly address follows a heated UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine earlier in the week, when he reiterated Moscow’s readiness for negotiations but rejected calls to halt military operations during talks, arguing that a pause would allow Kiev to regroup and rearm.
He added that the conflict has deeper roots in NATO expansion, the failure of the Minsk agreements, and the rejection of Russia’s security proposals to the US and NATO in 2021.
The week’s diplomacy has extended well beyond Ukraine. Talks with Arab officials covered tensions in the Middle East, including the US war against Iran and Israel’s continued hostilities in Gaza. Other meetings focused on bilateral ties and coordination at the UN.
The General Debate is being held at UN Headquarters from September 22 to 28 as part of High-Level Week, with the theme: ‘Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all’. Saturday’s address is the centerpiece of Lavrov’s visit. He will follow it up with a press conference later in the day.
Open Questions
- What specific outcomes will arise from the bilateral meetings?
- How will the UN respond to Russia's stance on the Ukraine conflict?
