Ukraine war briefing: German foreign minister urges Russia to abandon dangerous escalation in rare meeting
The two foreign ministers met on the sidelines of the UN general assembly in New York even though relations have been frozen since the invasion. What we know on day 1,677
TL;DR
- German Foreign Minister met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
- This was the first meeting between the two foreign ministers since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- Germany urged Russia to abandon its "dangerous path of escalation" and called for an immediate ceasefire and focus on grain exports.
- Russia's Lavrov accused Germany of being Ukraine's main sponsor and seeking to be a leading military power in Europe.
- Lavrov stated that no "new" developments came from the meeting and dismissed the talks as merely reiterating public positions.
- The meeting occurred amidst ongoing aerial warfare and escalating tensions, with both sides reporting civilian casualties from attacks.
- Ukraine is preparing for potential power cuts and drone attacks during winter, while Russia has targeted data centers in Kyiv.
- Lavrov defended Russia's war in Ukraine and criticized Western nations, including Germany and Japan, regarding potential UN Security Council seats.