On September 26, 2026, in the corridors of the UN General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with the new German Foreign Minister Wodeful. This meeting marked the first such encounter in 4.5 years, with the last meeting occurring on January 18, 2022, just before the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Historical Context of the Meeting
The meeting between Lavrov and Wodeful took place against the backdrop of strained relations between Russia and Germany, which have significantly deteriorated due to military actions in Ukraine. According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, the German side initiated this meeting, indicating a certain willingness to engage in dialogue.
Restrictions During the Meeting
Prior to the meeting, the German delegation reportedly imposed requirements, which, according to Russian media, included:
- restricting journalist access;
- prohibiting questions;
- prohibiting recording of opening statements.
These measures reflect the German side's caution in negotiating with Russia.
Putin's Invitation to the G20 Summit
It is noteworthy that Wodeful recently approved an invitation for Vladimir Putin to attend the upcoming G20 summit in Miami. This decision has sparked some controversy within the international community, as it may be perceived as a signal of a potential thaw in relations between Russia and Western countries.