The foreign ministers of Russia and Germany met in New York during the UN General Assembly, marking their first discussions since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Relations have been tense between Moscow and Berlin, which is a strong supporter of Ukraine, especially after a drone incident in Germany in August. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that he did not gain any new insights from the talks, suggesting that Germany could have simply shared its public statements with him.
During the meeting, discussions focused on the war in Ukraine and the state of their bilateral relations. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged Lavrov to work towards an agreement on grain exports via the Black Sea due to the ongoing disruptions caused by the conflict. Lavrov mentioned ongoing discussions with India, Egypt, and Turkey to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea.
Wadephul emphasized the urgency of addressing food shortages, especially in poorer countries, and suggested that a practical solution could lead to further constructive steps. Following the meeting, Wadephul informed his European allies about the discussions, reiterating Germany’s stance against Russia’s actions in Ukraine and calling for a cease-fire focused on grain and energy infrastructure.
The German government blamed Russia for a drone attack, responding by closing a consulate and a cultural center in Berlin. The Russian embassy dismissed these claims as unfounded and part of anti-Russian sentiment in Germany. Wadephul called for Russia to avoid escalating tensions with Germany, Europe, and NATO.
With information from Reuters
