Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Russia's Sergey Lavrov held rare talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26, 2026. The meeting, requested by the German side, was the first since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the talks took place before Lavrov's address to world leaders. Diplomatic relations between Berlin and Moscow have been frozen since the invasion.
Lavrov, in his speech to the UN General Assembly, criticized Germany, stating that it seeks to be a leading military power in Europe and is Kyiv's "main sponsor". He questioned whether Berlin understands the potential consequences of its actions and if it has learned from World War II. The comments come amid deteriorating relations between Berlin and Moscow, further strained by a drone incident at Leipzig airport in eastern Germany last month.
The drone incident, which Berlin blamed on Russia, was denied by Moscow. European countries have linked Russia to several drone incursions near airports, military bases, and critical infrastructure across the continent in the past year. After his UN speech, Lavrov told a news conference that he had learned nothing new from his German counterpart, stating that Wadephul could have simply called him to share Berlin's official statements.
Despite this, the ministers discussed bilateral ties and the war in Ukraine. Wadephul urged Lavrov to do "everything possible to reach an agreement on grain exports via the Black Sea", according to a German delegation source. The meeting comes amid diplomatic efforts to revive Russia and Ukraine's Black Sea grain and energy exports, restricted by attacks on vessels and port infrastructure.
Lavrov stated that Russia has been in talks with India, Egypt, and Turkey about proposals to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea. However, he blamed Ukraine for the attacks on vessels, saying separate discussions with Kyiv are needed. Kyiv has expressed openness to agreements, blaming Russia and its invasion for the war's fallout.
Wadephul notified his European allies of the meeting, reiterating Germany's position on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. He called for an immediate and complete ceasefire, focusing on grain exports and energy infrastructure. The talks mark a rare instance of communication between the two nations, amid heightened tensions and a frozen diplomatic relationship.
The meeting between Wadephul and Lavrov highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict in Ukraine and its global implications. Both sides continue to exchange views, despite the current strained relations. The international community remains engaged in finding a resolution to the crisis, with various nations and organizations involved in discussions and humanitarian efforts.
Key points
- Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Russia's Sergey Lavrov held rare talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
- The meeting comes amid diplomatic efforts to revive Russia and Ukraine's Black Sea grain and energy exports.
- Diplomatic relations between Berlin and Moscow have been frozen since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
