Merz says Lavrov comments show Moscow not interested in serious negotiations

The meeting between Wadephul and Lavrov was the first between ministers from the two nations since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Following the encounter, Lavrov remarked that Wadephul had reiterated Germany's daily public statements and that there was "nothing new" for him to hear, suggesting the conversation could have been a phone call.

In response, Merz said at a press conference in Berlin that Russia's assessment of the meeting indicated a lack of interest in serious negotiations at this time. He reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine through military, political, financial, and economic means. Merz also reiterated Germany's demands for Russia to cease its invasion, for European involvement in any peace negotiations, and for Ukraine's potential EU membership.

Earlier, Wadephul had called an invitation by US President Donald Trump for Russian President Vladimir Putin to a G20 meeting an "opportunity," raising questions about Germany's diplomatic stance. Wadephul later stated his meeting with Lavrov was to convey Germany's readiness to defend itself following drone incidents attributed to Moscow and to discuss the global food crisis and efforts to revive a grain deal.