Rubio and Lavrov discuss Ukraine conflict and energy security at UN

During the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met to discuss the conflict in Ukraine and bilateral relations.

Lavrov accused Ukraine of deliberately attacking energy and cross-border infrastructure to destabilize global energy markets. This follows concerns from US officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, regarding an “energy shock” caused by strikes on Russian refineries. Rubio noted that while both Russia and Ukraine have shown interest in a limited ceasefire regarding energy targets, such an arrangement would not resolve the broader war, as both sides view these assets as strategic targets.

Separately, Rubio expressed concern that the war could “metastasise and spread” through hybrid attacks, sabotage, or military misunderstandings. This follows warnings from European allies regarding Russian hybrid warfare. UK officials have reported Russian probing of undersea cables and disinformation campaigns, while French President Emmanuel Macron has called for increased safeguards for critical infrastructure against drone and cyber attacks.