New York, Sept 28: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Moscow is ready to hold talks to address the root causes of the conflict, emphasizing security guarantees for Ukraine based on credible respect for Russia’s rights and interests.

Speaking at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Lavrov stressed the importance of protecting Russia and restoring the rights of Russian people and Russian speakers in Ukraine. He said the conflict undermines sovereignty, weakens justice and trust, and creates new crises worldwide.

Lavrov also called for ensuring equal status for all countries in the international system regardless of their military, population or economic size. He accused the West of repeatedly violating the principle of refraining from the use of force, saying this had destabilized the Middle East.

He cited the use of illegal force by Israel against Palestinians and aggressive measures targeting Iran, Qatar, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq as threats to the region’s stability. On Russia–U.S. relations, Lavrov expressed hope for a practical solution to the Ukrainian crisis following the Alaska summit between President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, noting that Moscow and Washington share special responsibility to avoid risks that could lead to a new war.

On UN reform, Lavrov stressed that today’s global balance of power differs fundamentally from 80 years ago and called for expanded representation of Asia, Africa and Latin America in the Security Council, with full transparency to protect the interests of all member states.