Russian foreign minister rejects Berlin's call to abandon escalation

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1. 2h ago

   Russian Foreign Minister Rejects German Escalation Warning

   Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. During their first talks since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Lavrov rejected German calls to ease off a dangerous path of escalation. Lavrov questioned whether Berlin understood what its warnings could lead to and reminded Germany to take lessons from World War II. EU foreign policy chief Kallas stated that Lavrov's comments show Moscow is not interested in peace.

   Why it matters

   The diplomatic exchange follows high tensions sparked after Berlin accused Russia of being behind a drone attack at Leipzig/Halle. Germany serves as a close ally to Ukraine and has faced sharp criticism from Moscow, which accuses Berlin of acting as Ukraine's main sponsor.

   What is confirmed

   • Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
   • Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rejected German calls to ease off a dangerous path of escalation.
   • The meeting marked the first diplomatic talks between top Russian and German officials since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

   Still unconfirmed

   • EU foreign policy chief Kallas claimed that Lavrov's comments show Moscow is not interested in peace.

   What to watch next

   • Further diplomatic statements or actions from Berlin and Moscow regarding bilateral relations.
   • Potential policy shifts from the European Union following the rejection of peace calls.
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. dw.com — Germany's FM Wadephul meets Lavrov on UNGA sidelines
   2. The New York Times — Russian Foreign Minister Vows Russia Will See Ukraine War Through
   3. apnews.com — Russia's top diplomat rejects German calls to ease off its `dangerous' escalation toward the country
   4. www.thecourier.com.au — Russia accuses Germany of being Ukraine's main sponsor | The Courier | Ballarat, VIC
   5. CNN — At UN, Russia and Germany’s top diplomats hold first talks since invasion of Ukraine
   6. Reuters — German foreign minister says Lavrov meeting driven by Russia security concerns
   7. von.gov.ng — Russia, Germany Hold First Diplomatic Talks Since 2022 - Voice of Nigeria
   8. www.jpost.com — Russia, Germany's top diplomats hold first talks since 2022 at UN
   9. Euronews.com — Russian foreign minister rejects Berlin's call to abandon escalation
   10. Yahoo — EU's Kallas: Lavrov comments show Moscow 'not interested in peace'
   11. www.indiatoday.in — Russia rejects Germany's Ukraine escalation warning in first talks since 2022 - India Today
   12. www.latimes.com — Russia diplomat rejects German calls to defuse 'dangerous' escalation
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