German Foreign Minister explained why he met with Lavava

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful said he had his first meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the request of his foreign colleagues. According to him, this dialogue was necessary so that Europe would not give the US a monopoly on contacts with Moscow.

“It is clear to us that there are fundamental, categorical differences in positions between our governments. But even that needs to be talked about. During the Cold War, there was always dialogue. And I thought it was right to find the first opportunity to exchange views right now, Vadeful told Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen.

The minister said the conversation was "intensive." “Of course, we did not agree on key points. It was important for me to make it clear that Germany would not tolerate things like a drone attack in Leipzig. That this is an unacceptable escalation. And I have clearly warned Russia against continuing this course, he said.

Asked if contacts with Moscow would continue on a regular basis, the minister said it would depend on the Russian side. “If Russia is ready for a constructive dialogue and, most importantly, if Russia is ready to stop its war against Ukraine, then, of course, it will be possible to talk,” he said.

The meeting of Sergey Lavrov and Johann Wadeful took place at the UN headquarters in New York. This was the first conversation between foreign ministers since January 2022, when Mr. Lavrov met with Annalena Berbock, then foreign minister.

Yesterday's meeting lasted about 20 minutes. The Russian diplomat gave a low assessment of the conversation – according to him, Mr. Vadeful did not present anything new. He described the meeting as an attempt by Germany to offer Russia concessions.