Russia, Germany FMs meet for first talks since 2022, Ukraine war dominates agenda

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and German foreign minister Johann Wadephul met in New York on Saturday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, marking the first talks between the two countries’ foreign ministers since before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.Relations between Moscow and Berlin have remained deeply strained since the invasion, with Germany emerging as a strong supporter of Ukraine. Tensions have also risen following an alleged drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany in August, which Berlin has blamed on Russia and Moscow has rejected.Black Sea grain exports in focusWadephul used the meeting to urge Lavrov to do “everything possible” to reach an agreement on grain exports through the Black Sea, according to a German delegation source. He stressed that time was critical because of food shortages in several countries, particularly in the Global South.The German minister also called for an immediate and complete ceasefire in Ukraine, with a focus on protecting grain exports and energy infrastructure. He said a pragmatic solution on Black Sea exports could pave the way for further concrete steps, the German delegation said.Lavrov said Russia had discussed proposals for ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea with India, Egypt and Turkey. He said Moscow believed separate discussions with Ukraine were also necessary, while accusing Kyiv of attacks on vessels. Ukraine has said it is open to agreements and has blamed Russia for the consequences of the war.Tensions remain high despite talksThe meeting offered little sign of a broader thaw in bilateral relations. Lavrov said he had learned nothing new from Wadephul that Berlin had not already stated publicly.Wadephul also reiterated Germany’s position on Russia’s war in Ukraine and urged Moscow to abandon what he called a dangerous path of escalation towards Germany, Europe and NATO. He said incidents such as the alleged Leipzig airport attack would not weaken Germany’s resolve to support Ukraine.Germany said this month that Russia was responsible for the attempted drone attack and announced the closure of a Russian consulate and a cultural centre in Berlin. The Russian embassy dismissed the allegations as a “fabricated provocation” and accused Germany of fuelling anti-Russian sentiment.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.