Lavrov says Russia will not pause 'special military operation' for talks in any format

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia will not pause what Moscow calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine in order to hold talks, in any format.

Lavrov argued that European governments are seeking a pause in the fighting primarily to buy time to replenish what he described as the depleted military arsenals of the government in Kyiv, which Russian officials often refer to as the "Kiev regime."

The remarks reflect a consistent Russian negotiating position throughout the war: that any ceasefire or pause sought by Ukraine's Western backers is, in Moscow's view, a tactical maneuver rather than a genuine step toward peace, and that halting military operations would primarily benefit Ukraine's ability to rearm.

Longstanding Russian position

Russian officials have repeatedly rejected calls for an unconditional ceasefire since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, instead linking any cessation of hostilities to broader demands regarding Ukraine's territorial status, military posture and international alignment.

Lavrov's comments come amid continued, if intermittent, diplomatic contacts between Russia, Ukraine and various international intermediaries, though a comprehensive settlement to the conflict has not been reached. His statement suggests Moscow intends to keep military pressure on Ukraine as those diplomatic efforts continue.