The meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Saturday marked the first direct talks between the German and Russian foreign ministers since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Al Jazeera reported.
The meeting was requested by Germany, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, and took place before Lavrov addressed the UN General Assembly.
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Wadephul reiterated Germany’s position on Russia’s war in Ukraine and called for an immediate and complete ceasefire, according to a message he later sent to European allies.
He also urged Lavrov to work toward an agreement on grain exports through the Black Sea and raised concerns over attacks affecting energy infrastructure, a German delegation source told Reuters.
Lavrov, however, dismissed the German minister’s appeal and said he had heard nothing during the meeting that had not already been stated publicly by Berlin.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Lavrov accused Germany of being Kyiv’s “main sponsor” and seeking to become a leading military power in Europe. He also questioned whether Berlin had considered the potential consequences of its policies.
Diplomatic relations between Berlin and Moscow have deteriorated sharply since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Tensions have increased further following a drone incident at Leipzig airport last month that Germany attributed to Russia. Moscow denied involvement and accused Berlin of fabricating evidence.
European governments have also accused Russia of involvement in drone incidents near airports, military facilities and critical infrastructure across the continent, allegations Moscow has rejected.
The two foreign ministers also discussed bilateral relations and the war in Ukraine. Lavrov said Russia had held discussions with India, Egypt and Türkiye on proposals aimed at ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea.
He said separate discussions with Ukraine would also be necessary, while Kyiv has said it remains open to agreements and has blamed Russia for the consequences of the war.
