Lavrov says Russian attacks will persist despite ongoing peace talks

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated that Russia will continue its military actions in Ukraine even as diplomatic negotiations proceed.

6 outlets1 min read15m agoImportance 9/10

Sergey Lavrov declared that Russia will not halt its offensive in Ukraine while peace negotiations are underway, underscoring the continuation of the conflict that began in February 2022 under President Vladimir Putin’s orders. He pointed out that Moscow’s proposed settlement terms, including ceding territory it has not captured, are deemed unconstitutional by Ukraine. Lavrov also reiterated the Kremlin’s narrative of a "special military operation" aimed at demilitarising and denazifying the neighboring state.

In parallel, former U.S. President Donald Trump has been lobbying both sides to end the war, urging President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, which Moscow says funds its campaign. The ongoing diplomatic tug-of-war highlights the deep divide over the war’s resolution.

How this was covered

The two sides describe this in almost entirely different words

Why it matters

The statement signals Russia’s unwillingness to pause fighting, complicating international efforts to broker a cease-fire.

How the sides frame it

LOW AGREEMENT

Left-leaning coverage emphasizes Lavrov’s accusation that the United States prolonged the war by a year and missed a chance for peace, while centrist coverage stresses that Lavrov says Russian attacks will continue despite ongoing peace talks, and right-leaning coverage highlights Lavrov’s claim that Russia’s security goals and stance have not changed.

LEFT

Lavrov is portrayed as blaming the United States for extending the war and denying Russia a chance for peace.

CENTER

Lavrov is presented as stating that Russian attacks will persist even as peace negotiations proceed.

The left emphasises

accuses the U.S. of prolonging the war by a year
claims Russia could have been at peace
denounces Washington’s withdrawal from the alleged “Anchorage agreements”

How this story developed

Aug 14 Russia claims strikes on Ukrainian rail hub and vessels as drones hit Russian ports
Sep 10 Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia is hopeful U.S.-backed Ukraine peace talks will restart soon.
Sep 11 Russia has deployed the new “Web” shield to safeguard energy infrastructure.
Sep 11 Putin warned Russian strikes on British bases would be kept secret after Britain agreed to share missile schematics with Ukraine.
Sep 12 Trump publicly singled out the Putin‑Zelensky personal clash as the chief barrier to a settlement.
Sep 12 Zelensky said missile assistance will be a key agenda item for the September meeting.
Sep 12 Kremlin invites Zelensky to Moscow for a possible meeting with Putin.
Sep 14 Donald Trump, speaking on his return trip from Ireland to the United States, again urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to stop attacking Russian diesel refineries. He claimed that many diesel supplies originate from Russia and that Ukrainian strikes on those plants damage the global fuel market. Trump added that the ongoing shortage of gasoline and diesel is driven by the Russia-Ukraine war, not by events in the Middle East. Kyiv has defended the attacks, calling the refineries lawful military objectives that diminish Russia’s oil revenue and hamper its ability to fund the invasion. Recent Ukrainian raids have indeed lowered Russian fuel inventories, prompting concerns about broader energy security. The White House released a recording of the remarks, highlighting Trump’s continued involvement in the conflict’s diplomatic discourse.
Sep 14 A Russian drone struck a train near the Ukraine-Poland border shortly after a diplomatic train carrying former UK and Swedish leaders left the station, prompting condemnation from European officials.
Sep 14 NATO pledged to increase military aid to Ukraine and reinforce its eastern flank.
Sep 14 Trump posted on Truth Social that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to halt energy attacks.
Sep 14 Kim Jong-un promised his “unwavering support” to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a letter, calling Russia’s war “sacred”.
Sep 15 NATO Secretary General said the alliance will raise its aid to Ukraine.
Sep 15 Ukrainian drones and missiles struck an Ozon warehouse in Taganrog and damaged an industrial facility in the Samara region.

In this story