The first
bilateral meeting in over four years took place in New York, requested by
Germany, where Wadephul urged Russia to stop its aggression and hostile actions
while keeping doors open for serious diplomacy. Lavrov described it as a
scripted reading of Germany's standard position, with no new ideas, and
dismissed it as condescending.
Ukrainian
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced skepticism, noting Russia's excuses to
avoid talks, as the session underscored deep divisions without breakthroughs on
issues like Black Sea grain exports.
