Full Breakdown
Lavrov and Wadephul Hold First High-Level Russian-German Dialogue Since 2022
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: First Foreign Ministers’ Talks on the UNGA Sidelines
On September 26, 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. It was the first direct contact between the two ministries since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
Background & Context
Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Berlin have been frozen since the 2022 invasion, and tensions rose after an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August 2026, which German authorities attributed to Russia. In response, Germany closed the Russian consulate in Bonn and a Russian cultural centre in Berlin, while Moscow dismissed the accusations as fabricated. Germany has repeatedly called on Russia to cease hostilities in Ukraine, to halt what it described as a “dangerous path of escalation” toward Europe and NATO, and to enable grain exports through the Black Sea to alleviate food shortages in the Global South.
Official Statements & Responses
- Sergei Lavrov used his UN General Assembly address to reject German pleas for de-escalation, accusing Germany of being Ukraine’s main sponsor and of seeking a leading military role in Europe. He warned that Europe’s attempts to block Russia would only create a “self-fulfilling prophecy” and reiterated that Russia would veto any effort to grant permanent UN Security Council seats to Germany or Japan. Lavrov also claimed that the United States had “destroyed the European security system” and that a “fairer, multipolar world order” was emerging.
- He emphasized Germany’s resolve to support Ukraine and warned that further incidents such as the Leipzig drone attempt would not change Berlin’s stance.
- She added that many non-European countries claim dialogue could produce results, but the conduct of the meeting contradicted that notion.
Criticism & Opposition
He reiterated Germany’s willingness to support Ukraine over the long term and warned that continued Russian aggression would further damage the Russian economy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are many countries outside Europe that say 'talk to the Russians and then there will be a result (in Ukraine),'” — Kaja Kallas, foreign policy chief
- “But this talk (between Wadephul and Lavrov) shows that Russia really is not interested in peace at all, otherwise you don't treat your meeting partner this way.” — Kaja Kallas, foreign policy chief
- “He simply reiterated his official public position condemning Russia,” — Sergei Lavrov, russian foreign minister
- “A fairer, multipolar world order is emerging before our very eyes,” — Sergei Lavrov, russian foreign minister
- “And now, a representative of that ‘beautiful garden’ — German (Foreign) Minister Wadephul — has asked for a meeting with the Russian foreign minister,” — Maria Zakharova, foreign ministry spokeswoman
- “Russia’s subsequent assessment of this conversation has shown that Russia is obviously not interested in serious talks at all at this point in time,” — Germany’s Merz
These statements capture the starkly divergent views expressed by European officials and Russian diplomats during and after the historic dialogue.