Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov criticizes German foreign policy after meeting with Wadephul

But there was no real progress. Lavrov, known for his tough rhetoric, was dismissive of Wadephul's performance after meeting with his German counterpart. "If you look at Berlin's daily public statements, I haven't heard anything different," Lavrov said in response to a question from the dpa news agency in New York. He told the German Foreign Minister: "You could have simply called me and said 'Read my statement.'

Germany had requested the meeting the day before at the “last minute,” Lavrov said. According to the Russian minister, the conversation with the German Foreign Minister “gave the impression that there was such a subliminal message: I have come to you, I have condescended to you.” He got the impression that Wadephul expected concessions from Russia in Ukraine and on shipping in the Black Sea in return for the conversation.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the UN general debate in a meeting room on the Russian side in the UN building.

Wadephul: “Intensive conversation”

Federal Foreign Minister Wadephul also commented on the conversation: The CDU politician continues to see disagreement in efforts to end the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. »It was an intensive conversation. Of course we didn't agree on essential points," Wadephul told ZDF. He had “offered to Lavrov to de-escalate, especially with regard to the situation in Ukraine, but this has not yet found open ears,” Wadephul added.

It was important to him to make it clear that Germany “does not accept things like the drone attack in Leipzig. That this is an escalation that is unacceptable,” said Wadephul. He warned Russia not to continue like this. "We can defend ourselves, we can defend ourselves, that's what we will do." The federal government blames Russia for the incident with an unexploded explosive drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Moscow denies any responsibility for this.

Whether there will be further talks is essentially in Russian hands, said the Federal Foreign Minister. "If Russia is ready to talk constructively, and above all if Russia is ready to give up its war against Ukraine, we will certainly be able to talk."

Wadephul explained his willingness to meet with Lavrov that he had been asked by numerous counterparts to be open to talks with Russia. The colleagues advised “that at some point we have to talk to each other directly again.” In addition, he did not want the Europeans to leave the Americans with complete exchanges with Russia.

Wadephul stressed that there are categorical differences in the views of both governments. “But you have to talk about that too.” Even during the Cold War, there was always an exchange. “I thought it was right to look for an initial opportunity for exchange at this point,” said the Federal Foreign Minister.

Of course, the principle still applies that people don't talk about Ukraine without talking about Ukraine, said Wadephul. »I don't negotiate about Ukraine, the Ukrainians do that themselves. I call on Russia to talk to Ukraine.” Now, for example, the aim is to enable grain exports from Russia, but especially from Ukraine. "This is important for these countries, but it is particularly important for the Global South," said Wadephul.