Russia and Germany foreign ministers meet on UN sidelines, first talks since 2022

Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on 26 September, marking the first high‑level dialogue between the two sides since before Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The two ministers discussed a range of issues, including bilateral relations that have been strained since the war began, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Wadephul urged Lavrov to take all possible steps to reach an agreement on grain exports via the Black Sea, highlighting the urgency of the matter for countries facing food shortages, particularly in the Global South.

Both officials acknowledged that the war has sharply curtailed Russian and Ukrainian exports through the Black Sea, as Kyiv and Moscow have targeted each other’s port infrastructure and vessels. They also noted the broader push by Ukraine and its allies for a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea and an end to strikes on energy infrastructure.

Wadephul emphasized that “time is of the essence” and called for constructive engagement from all parties. He suggested that a pragmatic solution on grain shipments could pave the way for further concrete steps toward de‑escalation.

The Russian foreign ministry confirmed the meeting but did not indicate publicly whether Moscow supports the proposed initiatives on grain exports or a ceasefire. Relations between Moscow and Berlin have remained in a deep freeze, with Germany maintaining its close alliance with Ukraine.