No Matter The Circumstances: Lavrov Says Moscow Will Achieve Ukraine Aims, Offers Gulf Help

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that Russia was ready to help stabilise the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf, while vowing that Moscow would achieve its objectives in Ukraine “no matter the circumstances” and accusing Europe of obstructing US-backed peace efforts.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, Lavrov called for greater trust between Iran, Gulf states and other Arab countries, arguing that a stable regional security framework was needed as the US-Iran conflict continues to threaten the strategically important waterway.

“We need trust in the relationships between the Gulf states, the Arab states, and Iran. We need stable regional architecture,” Lavrov said. “Russia, together with other responsible states, stands ready to constructively contribute to stabilising this strategically important region.”

Lavrov's remarks came as tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz remained high. Iran has previously indicated that it could reopen the waterway within a week if Washington reduces military pressure and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports.

Turning to the Russia-Ukraine war, Lavrov accused European countries of doing everything possible to derail negotiations supported by US President Donald Trump's administration.

“Europe is doing everything it can to thwart peace talks in which the Trump administration is interested,” he said.

Lavrov insisted that Moscow would continue pursuing its stated objectives in Ukraine. “The aims of the special military operation will be achieved, the threat to Russian security will be eliminated and peaceful life will come back. This will happen no matter the circumstances,” he said, using the Kremlin's terminology for the war.

His remarks came after another deadly round of fighting. Russian and Ukrainian strikes killed at least 16 people over a 24-hour period, according to statements from both sides, while US-led diplomatic efforts have yet to produce a lasting ceasefire or peace agreement.

Lavrov also held a rare meeting with Germany 's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the UNGA, the first talks between the two countries' foreign ministers since January 2022, shortly before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.