German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul issued a direct warning to Russia regarding hybrid attacks and escalations against NATO during an unexpected meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 27, 2026. Wadephul stated that Moscow’s actions would not shake Berlin’s resolve to support Ukraine.
Unexpected UN Meeting Sparks High-Stakes Warning
The diplomatic encounter in New York marked the first talks between Russian and German foreign ministers since January 2022, just before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. According to Hans von der Burchard, senior political correspondent for Politico’s European bureau, delegation sources reported that Wadephul urged Moscow to abandon its dangerous escalation path toward Germany, Europe, and the NATO alliance.
Did you know? The last meeting between Russian and German foreign ministers took place in January 2022, shortly before the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed that the German side initiated the meeting. Meanwhile, a ZDF correspondent noted that the German government has recently signaled an openness to direct communication, pointing out that Wadephul refrained from criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump over an invitation extended to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin for the G20 summit scheduled for December in Miami.
Tense Exchange Over Hybrid Attacks and Ukraine
Describing the discussion to television channel ZDF, Wadephul characterized the exchange as strained. “It was a tense discussion. Of course, we didn’t agree on the main issues,” Wadephul told ZDF. “It was important for me to make it clear that Germany does not tolerate things like the drone attack in Leipzig. That is an unacceptable escalation.”
Wadephul explicitly warned Moscow against repeating such incidents, affirming Germany’s readiness to defend itself and issue a counter-response. Despite his call for de-escalation, especially regarding the situation in Ukraine, the German minister reported that the Russian side did not receive the proposal positively. He also reiterated that Berlin rejects negotiations about Ukraine without Kyiv’s participation, maintaining that European nations should not leave dialogue with Russia solely to the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly?
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held an unexpected meeting in New York on Sept. 27, 2026.
What specific incident prompted the warning from Germany?
Wadephul cited a drone attack in Leipzig as an unacceptable hybrid escalation by Russia against German territory.
Has Germany changed its stance on supporting Ukraine?
No. Wadephul stated clearly to Lavrov that Germany maintains full support for Ukraine and that economic pressure on Russia will continue.
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