Germany – Russia: Key points from Lavrov and Wadephul's meeting on the sidelines of the UN

A surprising meeting took place between Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, and Johann Wadephul, German Foreign Minister, during the UN General Assembly on September 26, 2026. The approximately 20-minute discussion addressed tensions between Russia and Germany, including an incident involving a drone in Leipzig. Germany claims Russia initiated the dialogue, while Russia states Wadephul asked Moscow to de-escalate and show a serious will to end the Ukraine conflict. The meeting did not resolve all disputes but represents an attempt at dialogue after a period of heightened tensions.