Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, marking the first high-level diplomatic engagement between the two nations since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The meeting focused on bilateral relations and the conflict in Ukraine, with German officials reiterating Berlin’s stance on the war.
During the discussions, Germany reaffirmed its support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and negotiations to achieve lasting peace. The talks took place amid heightened tensions, as Germany has accused Russia of attempting to target two cargo planes at Leipzig airport in August with an explosives-laden drone.
This meeting represents Lavrov’s first discussion with a German foreign minister since January 2022, when he met then-Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock shortly before the invasion began. The dialogue between Lavrov and Wadephul underscores ongoing efforts to address issues affecting Russian-German relations, despite the ongoing conflict.
Both foreign ministers used the opportunity to address critical bilateral concerns while maintaining their respective positions on the Ukraine conflict. The meeting highlights the complexities and challenges facing diplomatic relations between Russia and Germany in the current geopolitical climate.