Russia Rejects Ceasefire Calls at UN Security Council as Ukraine Signals Readiness

UNITED NATIONS — Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday again rejected appeals for a ceasefire in Moscow’s war on Ukraine, using a UN Security Council meeting to accuse Europe of seeking a pause in the fighting so it could “replenish” Ukraine’s military arsenals.

Lavrov said Moscow instead wanted what he described as a long-term peace deal to end the conflict, pointing to terms previously outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin. He framed Russia’s invasion—called by the Kremlin a “special military operation”—as necessary to protect Russia’s security interests and the rights of Russians in Ukraine.

The remarks underscored the diplomatic deadlock at the Security Council, where Russia’s veto power and the opposing positions of Kyiv and its allies have left ceasefire diplomacy largely stalled. Even limited proposals have run into resistance: the Trump administration has recently floated a moratorium between Russia and Ukraine on attacks against energy facilities, but Moscow has repeatedly rejected the idea.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha responded by reiterating that Kyiv was ready for an immediate and complete ceasefire without preconditions, provided Moscow also observed it. He said Ukraine was also prepared for partial ceasefires covering energy facilities or grain exports.

Sybiha added that 14 of the 15 members of the Security Council supported such proposals, including the United States and China—a tally that would leave Russia isolated on the issue.

Contrary to expectations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not attend the Security Council meeting. He is due to address the UN General Assembly later on Wednesday, giving Kyiv another high-profile platform to press its case as the war continues.