Russia refuses to stop attacking Ukraine during peace negotiations, Lavrov says

Live updates

1. 2d ago

   Russia Refuses to Stop Attacks on Ukraine During Peace Talks

   Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that Russia remains open to negotiations with Ukraine but will refuse to halt military operations for the duration of the talks. Lavrov also labeled an invitation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit Moscow as a huge gesture of goodwill. Meanwhile, the Kremlin signaled openness to trilateral discussions involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, with the United Arab Emirates offering to host future meetings. The remarks follow heavy strikes in western Ukraine, including a drone hit on a Kyiv-Warsaw train near the Polish border.

   Why it matters

   Moscow maintains its dual track of military offensive and diplomatic engagement, rejecting ceasefires while participating in talks. The United States approach has been described as constructive by Russian presidential aides, keeping the door open for potential trilateral meetings in October. The ongoing dialogue runs parallel to intense aerial bombardments across western Ukrainian oblasts.

   What is confirmed

   • Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia remains open to negotiations with Ukraine but will not stop its military operations for the duration of the talks.
   • Lavrov referred to the invitation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit Moscow as a huge gesture of goodwill.
   • The Kremlin expressed openness to trilateral talks involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine, with potential meetings anticipated in October.
   • The United Arab Emirates offered to host new talks between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia.
   • Russian drones struck a Kyiv-Warsaw train near the Polish border during mass attacks targeting western Ukraine.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Yury Chernichuk claimed that Kyiv derailed a visit by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station to hide the truth about Ukrainian attacks.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of a specific date and venue for trilateral talks in October involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine.
   • Official responses from Kyiv and Washington regarding Lavrov's refusal to implement a ceasefire during negotiations.
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. The Kyiv Independent — Russia refuses to stop attacking Ukraine during peace negotiations, Lavrov says
   2. Українська правда — Lavrov calls invitation for Zelenskyy to visit Moscow a "huge gesture of goodwill"
   3. Министерство иностранных дел Российской Федерации — Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with Channel One’s Bolshaya Igra (The Great Game) political talk show, Moscow, September 8, 2026
   4. Yahoo — Russia's Lavrov says yes to talks, no to ceasefire with Ukraine
   5. Armenpress — Russian presidential aide says US taking constructive approach in negotiations
   6. news.cgtn.com — Russia remains open to negotiations with Ukraine, but will not stop its military operations for the duration of the talks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday.
   7. News18 — ‘Let Him Come’: Russia's Foreign Minister Calls Zelenskyy’s Moscow Invitation A ‘Gesture Of Goodwill’
   8. Anadolu Ajansı — Russia open to trilateral talks with US, Ukraine: Kremlin
   9. Межа. Новини України. — The UAE is ready to host new talks between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia – Ushakov
   10. kyivindependent.com — General Staff: Russia has lost 1,506,900 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
   11. Breakingthenews.net — Kremlin does not rule out trilateral talks in October
   12. aa.com.tr — Moscow expects new round of trilateral Ukraine talks in foreseeable future: Kremlin spokesman
   confidence 95%