Lavrov says yes to talks, no to ceasefire
Sep 13, 2026
Moscow [Russia], September 13: Russia is ready for negotiations with Kiev but not for a simultaneous ceasefire in its war against Ukraine, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, according to a report on Saturday from Russia's state news agency TASS.
The Russian government was not short of goodwill, Lavrov said on the sidelines of the New Delhi summit of the BRICS countries, which see themselves as a counterweight to the West.
"We remain ready for negotiations, but the military operation will not be suspended for the duration of the negotiations," Russia's long-time top diplomat said.
He reiterated Moscow's offer of talks to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"If he wants to meet, let him come," Lavrov said, renewing the invitation for him to come to Moscow for negotiations.
"This is already an enormous gesture of goodwill on our part."
Source: Qatar Tribune
