AP

GLIMPSES: Lavrov’s quick entrance and exit at United Nations

Sep 22, 2022, 3:32 AM | Updated: 3:38 pm

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, bottom, right, listens as Russia's Foreign Minister Serge...

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, bottom, right, listens as Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks during a high level Security Council meeting on the situation in Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — As if there wasn’t enough tension.

After days of speeches by world leaders taking subtle and not-so-subtle shots at Russia for its invasion of Ukraine during the annual U.N. General Assembly, in walked Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to address the Security Council on Thursday.

He arrived just minutes before he had to speak, missing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s earlier remarks blasting Moscow for what the American described as war crimes and other atrocities.

And then it was Lavrov’s turn to sound off, and he did for several minutes, repeating his country’s frequent claims that Kyiv has long oppressed Russian speakers and that Western support for Ukraine is a menace to Moscow. All the while, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba looked on.

In that short moment, the world watched something rare: The top diplomats of two nations at war in the same room.

They did not speak with each other, instead lobbing barbs at — or past — each other. Kuleba even quipped before the meeting that he would maintain “social distance.”

Lavrov said U.S. policy toward Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy’s government was based on the rationale that “he’s a son of a bitch, but he’s our son of a bitch.” Kuleba chided Russia afterward for the “inappropriate slang.”

And then, the moment was over just as quickly as it began. As soon as Lavrov finished speaking, he was gone in a flash.

___

For more AP coverage of the U.N. General Assembly, visit https://apnews.com/hub/united-nations-general-assembly

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

AP

Photo: Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., talks with reporters outside the U.S. Capitol after the House...

KIRO Newsradio Staff with Wire Reports

Jayapal says she’s prepared to ‘fight’ next adminstration as Trump makes cabinet picks

Washington Representative Pramila Jayapal said she's focused on the administration's immigration agenda.

9 hours ago

Photo: Attendees look on during the Presentation of the Colors at the National Veterans Day Observa...

Russ Bynum, The Associated Press

Why the US celebrates Veterans Day and how the holiday has changed over time

The Veterans Day holiday began more than a century ago, albeit under a different name, as a celebration of the end of World War I. Over time its name and purpose evolved into a day of recognition for U.S. veterans of all wars as well as those currently serving in uniform.

15 hours ago

Photo: Beyonce appears at a campaign event for Kamala Harris in Houston, on Oct. 25, 2024. She is a...

Maria Sherman, AP Music Writer

Beyoncé leads the 2025 Grammy noms, becoming the most nominated artist in the show’s history

Welcome to Beyoncé country. When it comes to the 2025 Grammy Award nominations, “Cowboy Carter” rules the nation.

4 days ago

California wilfires...

Associated Press

Winds fuel Southern California wildfires that has forced thousands to evacuate

A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds was tearing through a community northwest of Los Angeles for a second day.

5 days ago

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee V...

Associated Press

The campaign for president enters its final push on the eve of Election Day

The presidential campaign comes down to a final push across a handful of states on the eve of Election Day.

8 days ago

Steve Bannon appears in court in New York, Jan. 12, 2023. (Steven Hirsch/New York Post via AP)...

Dave Collins, The Associated Press

Trump ally Steve Bannon is released after serving 4 months in prison

Longtime Donald Trump ally Steve Bannon was released from prison early Tuesday, after serving a four-month sentence.

14 days ago

GLIMPSES: Lavrov’s quick entrance and exit at United Nations