German and Russian Foreign Ministers Meet in New York, Call for De-Escalation Amid Ukraine War

German foreign minister Johann Wadephul and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov held a brief bilateral discussion on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. It was the first such encounter since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Lavrov responded by reiterating Russia’s official condemnation of Germany’s support for Ukraine, accusing Berlin of acting as Ukraine’s main sponsor and warning that further escalation could have severe consequences.

The Guardian

Relations between Moscow and Berlin have remained frozen since the invasion, and they worsened after an attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport. Germany has repeatedly pledged continued support for Ukraine, emphasizing that incidents such as the Leipzig episode will not alter its resolve. The meeting occurred amid an intensifying aerial campaign: Russia has increased cruise-missile, ballistic-missile, glide-bomb and drone strikes on Ukrainian targets, while Ukraine has deployed long-range drones against Russian oil facilities.

The Guardian

Lavrov, speaking later at the assembly, dismissed the German appeal, stating that “nothing new” emerged from the talks and accusing Germany of seeking a leading military role in Europe.

The Guardian

• Ukrainian officials reported that Russian attacks killed four civilians on Saturday.

The Guardian

• Russian authorities claimed a Ukrainian drone strike killed three people.

The Guardian

• Frontline positions have remained largely unchanged since the previous year, according to the briefing.

The Guardian

• “It is essential that our partners not forget: Russia is escalating every single day,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The Guardian

These statements illustrate the heightened urgency expressed by Ukraine’s president, who warned that Russia’s daily escalation demands stronger international responses to prevent further spread of the conflict.

The Guardian