German foreign minister meets Lavrov in New York — first such talks since 2022

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, in a conversation lasting around 20 minutes. The meeting was reported by the German outlet FAZ, cited by "Yevropeiska Pravda."

According to the report, Wadephul had been considering such a meeting for some time, as European countries seek to re-engage in talks on a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, while Moscow had signaled readiness for dialogue through third countries. The meeting was also said to be linked to a drone incident in Leipzig, which the German side has blamed on Russia.

Sources close to the delegation said Wadephul urged Moscow to "abandon the dangerous path of escalation" against Germany, Europe and NATO. The minister reportedly stressed that incidents such as the attempted attack in Leipzig, or other hybrid attacks, would not shake Germany's resolve to support Kyiv.

Wadephul also told Lavrov that the current poor state of relations does not serve Germany's interests, and that the possibility of returning to constructive relations exists at any time — provided the war, which violates international law, is ended.

First such meeting since 2022

The meeting between the German and Russian foreign ministers in New York was the first direct talks at ministerial level since 2022. Since then, representatives of the two governments have taken part in various international gatherings, but no direct negotiations between foreign ministers had taken place.

It was previously reported that on September 23, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Lavrov in New York. Following that meeting, Russia's foreign ministry said Lavrov had complained to Rubio about Ukrainian strikes on facilities in Russia.