US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), according to Russia’s foreign ministry.
The meeting came during the UNGA’s High-Level Week, where world leaders addressed pressing global challenges. Among Wednesday’s speakers were Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian, Argentina’s Javier Milei, and Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa—marking the first time in nearly six decades that a Syrian representative addressed the Assembly.
In his address, Zelenskyy underscored the toll of ongoing conflicts, declaring that many nations represented at the UN are “at war, just out of war, or preparing for one.” He urged the international community not to remain silent in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Yes, much depends on the G7 and G20, but ultimately this depends on all of us—on the United Nations. Don’t stay silent while Russia drags this war on. Please join us in defending life, international law, and order,” he appealed.
Zelenskyy also criticised the structure of the UN Security Council, expressing frustration over Russia’s permanent seat and veto power. Moscow has frequently used its veto to block resolutions related to Ukraine and other conflicts, continuing a practice historically employed by both Russia and its predecessor, the Soviet Union, more than any other Council member.
The brief but significant Rubio–Lavrov meeting has drawn attention, taking place as tensions remain high between Washington and Moscow over the war in Ukraine and global security issues.
