NEW YORK – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in New York on 23 September on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, where they discussed a broad range of bilateral and international issues.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the talks built on recent contacts at the highest political level and featured an extensive exchange of views on key global and regional developments.

Among the main issues discussed was the conflict in Ukraine. During the meeting, Lavrov highlighted what Russia described as close coordination between the Ukrainian government and its European allies. The Russian side also accused Kyiv of carrying out deliberate attacks on civilians and cross-border infrastructure, arguing that such actions contribute to instability in global energy markets.

Russia reiterated its commitment to achieving the objectives of its ongoing military operation, while also expressing support for a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict that addresses what it called its root causes.

The two diplomats also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East, the South Caucasus, Latin America and the Caribbean. Discussions further covered efforts to counter what Russia characterised as illegitimate practices by some multilateral institutions in the field of international law.

Preparations for upcoming G20 events scheduled before the end of the year were also reviewed.

On bilateral relations, the Russian side stressed the importance of restoring ties between Moscow and Washington in line with agreements reached by the presidents of the two countries. Russia said this was particularly important as discussions continue on potential economic cooperation, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, easier travel arrangements, and stronger people-to-people relations.

Moscow also called for an “honest dialogue” aimed at resolving longstanding disputes affecting diplomatic relations, including the restoration of normal operating conditions for diplomatic missions and the return of Russian property in the United States that it says was effectively confiscated.

Both sides agreed to maintain contact through their respective foreign ministries on the issues discussed during the meeting.