At UN, Russia and Germany Hold First Talks Since Ukraine Invasion
Goldlaner.com – At UN, Russia and Germany brought their top diplomats together in New York for their first foreign-minister-level meeting since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul during the United Nations General Assembly.
The discussion came as relations between Berlin and Moscow remain severely strained by the war in Ukraine, while tensions have also risen following an August drone incident near Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany.
Black Sea shipping and food security
Black Sea navigation, grain exports and energy infrastructure were central issues in the talks. Wadephul urged Lavrov to support an arrangement that would allow grain shipments to move safely through the Black Sea.
Disruptions to ports, commercial vessels and energy facilities can affect food supplies well beyond the war zone, particularly in countries that depend heavily on imported grain.
“Time is of the essence: given the food shortages in many countries — particularly in the Global South — all parties must be willing to engage constructively,” Wadephul told Lavrov.
A member of the German delegation said Wadephul emphasized the urgency of addressing food shortages in the Global South. He also argued that progress on shipping could help create an opening for further practical steps.
Lavrov said Russia had discussed possible measures for safe navigation with India, Egypt and Turkey. He suggested that separate arrangements between Russia and individual countries could be possible.
“There is a need for separate discussions with the Ukrainians, and not in the language of requests, but rather demands,” Lavrov said.
Lavrov accused Ukraine of attacking vessels. Ukraine has said it is prepared to consider agreements and holds Russia responsible for the wider consequences of the conflict because of its invasion.
No broader diplomatic breakthrough
Although At UN, Russia and Germany reopened direct ministerial contact, neither side indicated that the meeting produced a wider thaw. Lavrov said Wadephul had restated positions Germany had already expressed publicly.
“I told him that frankly … you could just have called me and said: ‘read my statement’,” Lavrov said.
Germany has remained a strong supporter of Ukraine and has consistently condemned Russia’s war. After the meeting, Wadephul informed European partners that he had reiterated Berlin’s position and called for an immediate, comprehensive ceasefire.
Wadephul also warned against what Germany views as further escalation toward Germany, Europe and NATO. German officials said incidents such as the attempted drone attack near Leipzig/Halle Airport would not weaken Berlin’s support for Ukraine.
Germany said it had determined Russia was responsible for the attempted attack and responded by closing a consulate and a Russian cultural center in Berlin. Russia’s embassy rejected the allegation, calling it a fabricated provocation and part of an anti-Russian campaign.
FAQ: At UN, Russia and Germany Talks
Why did the Russian and German foreign ministers meet? The ministers discussed the war in Ukraine, damaged bilateral relations, Black Sea shipping, grain exports and energy infrastructure.
Did the meeting lead to a ceasefire agreement? No ceasefire agreement was announced. Germany called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, but major differences between Berlin and Moscow remained unresolved.
Why are Black Sea grain shipments important? Safer shipping routes could help protect grain exports and reduce risks to food supplies in countries that rely on imported grain, especially in the Global South.
The At UN, Russia and Germany meeting showed that limited direct diplomacy remains possible despite deep political divisions. Its practical significance will depend on whether discussions over shipping safety and exports produce concrete results.