Lavrov: Moscow rejects pause in Ukraine war, citing European rearming plans

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday that Moscow will not agree to a pause in the war in Ukraine, rejecting a proposed moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure. He made the statement at the UN Security Council, one day after US and Ukrainian presidents referenced such a pause. Lavrov claimed Europe wants a ceasefire to rearm Ukraine, stating, "We will not make any pause in our special military operation." His remarks came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was ready to declare a moratorium on energy strikes if Russia did the same. US President Donald Trump, speaking at the UN General Assembly, insisted a deal between Ukraine and Russia would be reached "faster than some believe." The conflicting statements highlight ongoing divisions over a potential truce.