Russian and German FMs Meet for First Time Since Ukraine Invasion

Sep. 26, 2026 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Maria Zakharova / Telegram Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met his German counterpart Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Saturday, their countries’ first talks at foreign minister level since before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the German side had requested the talks and that the ministers discussed bilateral relations and the war in Ukraine. “On these and other issues, Johann Wadephul reaffirmed the German government’s position, which has been stated publicly on numerous occasions,” the ministry said. The meeting came amid renewed tensions between the two countries after Germany accused Russia of attempting to blow up two cargo planes at Leipzig airport in August using a drone rigged with explosives. Wadephul told the UN Security Council this week that German support for Ukraine remained firm and called for a ceasefire and negotiations toward a lasting peace. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed the German side had sought restrictions on media access to Saturday’s meeting, including a ban on questions and audio recordings of the opening remarks. Lavrov last met a German foreign minister in January 2022, when he held talks with Wadephul’s predecessor Annalena Baerbock weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine. Read more about: Germany , Lavrov , Diplomats Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russia Summons German Ambassador, Accuses Berlin of Supporting Ukrainian Attacks The Russian Foreign Ministry also criticized Germany's stance toward third countries' relations with Russia, including Russia-China ties. 1 Min read Germany Recalls Russian Ambassador Over Cyberattack Alexander Graf Lambsdorff "has been called back for consultations and will stay in Berlin for a week and then return to Moscow," Berlin said. 1 Min read Germany Tells Moscow to Close 4 Consulates in Russia The German foreign ministry said Russia will slash the number of people that Berlin can employ in its embassies or institutions in Russia starting from... 2 Min read Russian Diplomat With FSB Links Found Dead Outside Berlin Embassy – Reports Germany's Der Spiegel reported that German security agencies considered the diplomat to be an undercover FSB employee.