Russian foreign minister

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered a combative speech on the Ukraine war, accusing European countries of deception and reportedly declaring 'You think we'll fall for your tricks?'. He framed Europe as untrustworthy in negotiations over the conflict. The address drew wide attention as tensions between Moscow and European capitals remain high over ongoing fighting and stalled peace efforts.

Germany has concluded that Russia is not currently prepared for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. The assessment followed a meeting between German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, during which Berlin sought to gauge Moscow's willingness to engage on ending the conflict. German officials say Russia's posture showed no genuine readiness for serious talks.

Japan's government has dismissed as "factually incorrect" comments by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the U.N. General Assembly in which he claimed Japan was on a path of militarization. Tokyo pushed back against the characterization, which comes amid already strained relations between the two countries over Russia's war in Ukraine and ongoing disputes over the disputed Kuril Islands.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Sunday that his decision to meet Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov was driven by security concerns and the need to address a growing food-export crisis. The meeting marks a notable diplomatic contact between Berlin and Moscow at a time when European governments remain divided over engagement with Russia.

Germany's foreign minister says her meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov was driven by security concerns linked to Russia, amid ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine. The talks, held on the margins of the UN General Assembly, mark a rare high-level contact between Berlin and Moscow, and analysts are watching whether it signals any shift in European diplomacy toward Russia.

Iran's president has declared that the United States holds the decision on whether to end the war, putting the burden squarely on Washington. The statement came as the Russian and Iranian foreign ministers, meeting diplomatically, agreed that only a negotiated settlement could resolve the Middle East tension sparked by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The remarks underscore Tehran's positioning ahead of any potential talks and Moscow's alignment with Tehran's call for diplomacy over continued military action.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul's meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is drawing reactions across Germany's political spectrum. According to Der Spiegel, the SPD and the Greens have praised Wadephul over the talks. CDU foreign policy politician Roderich Kiesewetter is among the figures being searched in connection with the discussion about the diplomatic move.