German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in New York, marking the first such talks between Berlin and Moscow since before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Wadephul stated the discussions were driven by security concerns over armed drone deployments and international pressure to address a mounting Black Sea food-export crisis.
Security Risks and Armed Drone Deployments at Leipzig Airport
Relations between Berlin and Moscow have remained frozen since the 2022 invasion, but Wadephul told ARD that a line had been crossed. According to the German Foreign Minister, Russia’s alleged deployment of armed drones at Leipzig airport necessitated direct communication regarding Germany’s defense readiness.
“Russia has to understand that we are ready to resist and to defend ourselves,” Wadephul said in the interview.
Wadephul defended the decision to break the diplomatic silence. While Berlin remains a close ally of Ukraine, he stated that the time had come when direct talks were necessary to communicate Germany’s position on security threats.
Addressing the Global Food Export Crisis and Black Sea Ceasefire
Beyond bilateral security, the meeting addressed international food security. Attacks on vessels and port infrastructure have sharply curtailed Russian and Ukrainian grain and energy exports, triggering fears of famine.
“A number of colleagues, especially from the Global South, asked me to speak with Russia,” Wadephul noted, outlining the second primary driver for the New York discussions. “There is a threat of famine there, and that is why I am advocating for a ceasefire in the Black Sea.”
Diplomatic Frostiness and Differing Assessments of the Talks
The meeting highlighted the continued tension between the two nations. Lavrov told a news conference following the encounter that he had learned nothing new from his German counterpart that Berlin had not already stated publicly.
“I told him that frankly … you could just have called me and said: ‘read my statement’,” Lavrov said.
Wadephul dismissed Lavrov’s remarks as the reaction of someone in a weak position with no substantive arguments. “Russia cannot explain to the world why it is continuing this war,” Wadephul said. “It is senseless, it costs thousands of lives.”
German and Russian foreign ministers meet in New York
When and where did Johann Wadephul meet Sergei Lavrov?
The two foreign ministers met in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday.
Why did the German Foreign Minister agree to meet the Russian counterpart?
Wadephul cited two main reasons: security concerns regarding alleged armed drone deployments at Leipzig airport and pressure from the Global South to address the Black Sea food-export crisis.
What was Russia’s reaction to the diplomatic talks?
Sergei Lavrov stated that he learned nothing new from the German delegation that had not already been published in public statements by Berlin.
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