UNITED NATIONS, Sep 27: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has rejected Germany’s call for Moscow to step back from what Berlin described as a “dangerous path of escalation” toward Germany, Europe and NATO.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Lavrov accused Germany of being a major supporter of Ukraine and seeking to strengthen its position as a military power in Europe. He also questioned whether Berlin had learned the lessons of World War II.
Lavrov made the remarks after holding talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the UN gathering. The meeting, requested by Wadephul, was believed to be the first direct meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Lavrov said Wadephul had simply repeated Germany’s public position condemning Russia and questioned whether the encounter could be considered meaningful dialogue.
A German delegation official said Wadephul had urged Russia to abandon its alleged escalation toward Germany, Europe and NATO. The German side also indicated that improved relations would require Moscow to demonstrate a genuine willingness to work toward ending the war in Ukraine.
The Russia-Germany relationship has deteriorated further in recent weeks following an alleged drone incident at Leipzig Airport, which Germany attributed to Russia. Moscow has rejected the allegation.
Lavrov also criticised efforts by Germany and Japan to obtain permanent seats on the UN Security Council, saying Russia would veto such attempts. He linked his opposition to the countries’ roles during World War II.
Japan’s deputy UN ambassador, Mikanagi Tomohiro, responded by describing Japan as a peace-loving nation and said democracy, freedom and fundamental human rights remain central to its policies.
During his UN address, Lavrov accused Western countries of seeking a “strategic defeat” of Russia and criticised the current European security framework. He also claimed that Russia remained ready to return to what Moscow considers an understanding reached during the August 2025 meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
Lavrov portrayed the emergence of a more multipolar global order as a major international development and highlighted Russia’s role in BRICS and other international groupings.
Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Wadephul told the General Assembly that Russia’s war in Ukraine has caused widespread civilian suffering and threatened European security. He called on Moscow to engage in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
Lavrov’s address came amid continued escalation in the Russia-Ukraine aerial conflict. Russia has carried out missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, while Ukrainian forces have used long-range drones against targets inside Russia.
Ukrainian officials reported that Russian attacks killed four people on Saturday, while Russian authorities said a Ukrainian drone attack killed three.
Russia describes its actions in Ukraine as a “special military operation” aimed at protecting its security and the rights of Russian speakers. Both sides have withheld comprehensive casualty figures, while estimates from outside analysts vary significantly.
