Russian, German foreign ministers hold first talks since Ukraine war began

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met his German counterpart Johann Wadephul on Saturday, their first such meeting since the Ukraine war began in February 2022.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the top diplomats discussed bilateral relations and “the situation surrounding Ukraine,” during talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The ministry stressed that Wadephul “reaffirmed the position of the German government that has been publicly stated on numerous occasions.”

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova separately said on Telegram that the meeting was requested by German officials.

“And now, a representative of that ‘beautiful garden’ — German (Foreign) Minister Wadephul — has asked for a meeting with the Russian foreign minister,” Zakharova said, while criticizing Germany’s requests for restricted media access, no questions, and a ban on audio recordings of opening remarks.

Meanwhile, Wadephul said Germany would pursue diplomacy if Russia “seriously” engages in negotiations with Ukraine toward a sustainable peace.

In a video posted on US social media platform X, he said “the escalation must finally end,” and that he also told Lavrov grain exports must be enabled particularly in the interest of people in the Global South.

He warned that Germany would respond if Russia again “violated” its sovereignty.

“I also made it clear that what happened at Leipzig Airport crossed a line. Germany was attacked,” he said. “We would respond again if Russia violated our sovereign rights.”

Tensions between Russia and Germany escalated after Berlin accused Russia of involvement in an attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport on Aug. 4. German security authorities and European partners said they found indications of Russian involvement, while Moscow rejected the accusations.

Berlin subsequently announced the closure of Russia’s consulate general in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin. Moscow also took reciprocal action, shutting the German consulate and Goethe Institut in St. Petersburg.