Vasily Nebenzya, the permanent representative of Russia to the United Nations, stated that Moscow is prepared to hold discussions at the UN headquarters during the upcoming visits by Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, and Anthony Blinken, the United States secretary of state, should there be a desire from Washington to do so. Nebenzya conveyed this in a press conference, emphasizing that any meeting would hinge on two key conditions. First, whether the American secretary of state will be present at the UN at that time. Second, whether the United States side is ready to engage with the Russian foreign minister. He also added that Lavrov would be ready to meet Blinken if such a request is made by Washington and if both sides express willingness to discuss. This framing places the onus on mutual interest and timing, rather than imposing a fixed agenda or schedule, and it underscores Moscow’s openness to dialogue as a tool to manage tensions at a critical international forum (TASS).
Nebenzya highlighted that a genuine appetite for dialogue and serious preparation from the United States is essential for any meeting between Lavrov and Blinken. In his view, constructive diplomacy cannot proceed without both sides agreeing to sit down and explore avenues for reducing friction and addressing the underlying issues shaping the bilateral relationship. The Russian envoy’s remarks come amid a broader international context where Moscow has repeatedly signaled readiness to engage if the American side demonstrates a comparable willingness to converse in a constructive, results-oriented manner (TASS).
The public exchange echoes prior statements from U.S. officials who have signaled openness to diplomatic engagement with Russia to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In recent statements, U.S. actors have conveyed that diplomacy remains on the table if it is backed by concrete steps and a clear commitment to de-escalation. The dynamic reflects ongoing efforts by both capitals to find a pathway back to formal dialogue, particularly at a time when high-profile international gatherings, including G20 meetings, provide opportunities for one-on-one or small-group discussions on Ukraine, security assurances, and humanitarian considerations (TASS).
When Lavrov and Blinken met on the margins of a major international forum, a separate clip from Moscow’s foreign ministry summarized the interaction as constructive. Lavrov described the exchange as normal and devoid of heightened emotion, underscoring a pragmatic tone rather than personal animosity. This characterization signals a preference for steady, issue-focused dialogue even amid ongoing disagreements, and it aligns with Moscow’s broader posture of engaging in diplomacy when it serves strategic interests and regional stability (TASS).
The broader diplomatic landscape continues to feature a mix of cautious optimism and persistent friction. Analysts note that the possibility of a meeting at the UN could serve as a confidence-building signal, provided both sides enter discussions with concrete proposals and measurable goals. Observers also point out that the UN platform offers a venue for threading diplomatic messages through official channels, which can help manage misinterpretations and miscommunications that often accompany high-stakes negotiations. In this view, the UN remains a crucial arena for diplomacy, where the right timing and mutual readiness can help avert missteps and move bilateral relations toward a more predictable framework (TASS).
Meanwhile, the United States has repeatedly indicated a willingness to pursue constructive diplomacy with Moscow in pursuit of ending the Ukrainian conflict. The public stance from Washington reflects an interest in stabilizing bilateral ties and addressing the humanitarian and security dimensions of the crisis. That posture, paired with simultaneous preparedness for dialogue, forms the backbone of any potential talks between Lavrov and Blinken. The interplay between readiness, timing, and procedural flexibility will likely determine whether a face-to-face encounter happens at the UN and what tangible outcomes might follow (TASS).