Wadephul accuses Russia of escalating aggression against Europe
Quick Look
- At the United Nations, Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul accused Russia of escalating aggression against Europe, particularly through hybrid attacks such as the drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
- He also criticized the Ukraine war for its global impact on grain supplies and called for an immediate ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
- Kremlin spokesman Peskov ruled out a meeting between Putin and Zelensky at the G20 summit.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August targeted Ukrainian cargo planes and is attributed to the Russian government. Russia denies any involvement. The Ukraine war has a global impact on grain supplies as Ukrainian ports are blocked.
Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul accused Russia of escalating aggression against Europe at the United Nations. "Russia's hybrid attacks against those who support Ukraine and international law have reached a new level," said the CDU politician at a Security Council meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Wadephul was referring to the drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport at the beginning of August, which targeted Ukrainian cargo planes and for which the federal government blames the Kremlin. "This is not an isolated case of Russia's reckless and dangerous escalation in Europe," Wadephul said.
Russia denies any responsibility for the incident.
Wadephul: Russia is exacerbating hunger and hardship around the world
The Foreign Minister also criticized Moscow for the war in Ukraine and its consequences, which were felt worldwide. Ukraine had a very good grain harvest, but was unable to export the grain because of the attacks on its ports. “Russia is thereby exacerbating hunger and hardship worldwide,” said Wadephul.
He called for “finally breaking out of this spiral of destruction and violence.” An immediate and complete ceasefire is needed - starting in the Black Sea to secure the supply of grain and food.
Wadephul also called for a comprehensive exchange of prisoners of war and a return to negotiations based on international law, paving the way for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
Peskov: Meeting between Putin and Zelensky at the G20 summit impossible
The USA, which is trying to negotiate between Moscow and Kiev - although so far without much success - has invited Russian leader Vladimir Putin to the G20 summit in Miami in December. “We hope that he accepts the invitation,” said Foreign Minister Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN general debate.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had agreed in principle to meet Putin at the meeting. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called this "impossible" and renewed the suggestion that Putin could receive Zelensky in Moscow.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The UN Security Council will adopt a resolution to investigate the drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
Possible · Within weeks
There will be no direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky at the G20 summit in Miami.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What concrete evidence does the federal government have of Russian responsibility for the drone incident?
- How likely is a meeting between Putin and Zelensky despite Peskov's cancellation?
- What concrete steps is the UN planning to take to secure grain exports from Ukraine?
