German, Russian foreign ministers meet for first time since 2022 invasion

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met for 22 minutes on September 26, 2026, at the UN General Assembly in New York, their first encounter since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Wadephul urged Russia to end escalation, facilitate grain exports, and cease its war in Ukraine; Lavrov stated the meeting produced no new ground and characterized the discussion as a reiteration of Germany's public positions.

Quick Facts

First meeting between German and Russian foreign ministers since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine
Wadephul called on Russia to abandon escalation toward Germany, Europe, and NATO
Wadephul pressed Lavrov on grain exports through Black Sea
Wadephul expressed openness to better relations conditional on ending the Ukraine war
Lavrov stated nothing new emerged from the meeting

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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a 22-minute meeting on September 26, 2026, at UN Headquarters in New York during the UN General Assembly's high-level week. This was their first face-to-face encounter since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Germany requested the meeting, with Lavrov noting it came "at the very last minute."

During the encounter, Wadephul pressed Lavrov on multiple issues. A German delegation official stated that Wadephul called on Russia to abandon its "dangerous path of escalation" toward Germany, Europe, and the NATO alliance. Wadephul also urged Russia to facilitate grain exports through the Black Sea, emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of food shortages in many countries, particularly in the Global South. He expressed openness to a better relationship but said it required Russia's genuine willingness to end the war in Ukraine.

Lavrov stated that "nothing new came from" the conversation and later characterized Wadephul's remarks as simply a reiteration of Germany's official public position. At a news conference, Lavrov noted he could have simply asked Wadephul to read his prepared statements. He added that Russia continues discussions with India, Egypt, and Turkey on proposals to ensure safe Black Sea navigation, potentially involving bilateral agreements.

After the meeting, Lavrov addressed the General Assembly, defending Russia's military operations in Ukraine and criticizing Western efforts to maintain global dominance. He opposed permanent UN Security Council seats for Germany and Japan. The meeting occurred amid escalating tensions, including Germany's September 1 accusation that Russia attempted a drone attack on Leipzig airport—which Russia denied—followed by reciprocal consulate closures. Wadephul subsequently informed European allies of the meeting's substance, reaffirming Germany's opposition to Russia's invasion and calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Topics

Politics World Ukraine War

#Russia #Germany #Lavrov #bilateral tensions #Russia-Germany relations #diplomatic talks #sanctions #Ukraine war #grain exports #drone attack

Entities

Why This Matters

This meeting marks the first direct diplomatic engagement between Germany and Russia at ministerial level in four years, occurring amid escalating military and consular tensions (September 2026 drone allegations and reciprocal consulate closures). Germany's diplomatic initiative, combined with its formal positions on NATO security, Black Sea grain corridors, and ceasefire terms, signals ongoing efforts to maintain diplomatic channels while publicly opposing Russian military operations. Lavrov's characterization of no new ground suggests limited near-term policy shifts on either side, though the meeting's occurrence during UN General Assembly week indicates both sides retain baseline communication infrastructure despite geopolitical strain.

Timeline & Sources

Jan 1, 2022

Wire

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine begins

Jan 18, 2022

Wire

Previous meeting between Lavrov and German Foreign Minister

Sep 26, 2026

Wire

Lavrov holds news conference stating 'nothing new came from' the meeting and emphasizing Russia's readiness to listen to counterparts

Sep 27, 2026

Wire

Maria Zakharova states meeting was intended to demonstrate diplomatic activity and shore up Merz's falling approval ratings

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