Russia accuses Europe of blocking Ukraine peace talks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Europe of obstructing peace negotiations in Ukraine following a series of strikes that claimed 16 lives on both sides. This came after Russia and Ukraine escalated their attacks in the deadliest summer since Russia's 2022 invasion, which sparked Europe's worst war since World War Two.

Lavrov met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York, attributing Europe's stance to an attempt to thwart the peace talks backed by Trump's administration. He declared, "The aims of the special military operation will be achieved..." regardless of circumstances. Russian and Ukrainian strikes each claimed at least four lives over the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile, UN officials warned of the increasing toll on civilians. Earlier, Trump suggested a deal between Moscow and Kyiv to end the war was imminent. However, US-led negotiations have yet to yield a breakthrough, and Russia continues to seek to annex eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin has intensified strikes on Kyiv as the city braces for another winter of conflict, while Ukraine has targeted deeper inside Russia, reaching the Urals and Siberia.

Lavrov met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wagner for the first time since before the war, amid rising tensions between Berlin and Moscow. Germany alleges Russia orchestrated an attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport, to which Russia responded by closing its consulate. Lavrov called for an end to Western expansion in the UN, specifically targeting Germany and Japan.