Following lengthy discussions, European countries have finally decided to engage in direct talks with Russia. During the UN General Assembly in New York, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful. However, as might be expected, the Europeans’ position remains unchanged: they are still demanding concessions from Moscow. The German Embassy told *Izvestia* that Europe must be at the negotiating table for a settlement in Ukraine. The Vatican has also stepped up its efforts: Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the special envoy, will visit Moscow from 28 to 30 September. Meanwhile, the US hopes to reach an agreement on Ukraine before winter. Vladimir Putin noted that peace proposals are ‘on the table’, but that Russia will give the matter further consideration following Kyiv’s attacks during the State Duma elections.
The first meeting since 2022 between the Russian and German foreign ministers took place on 26 September at the initiative of the German side during the High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly. However, it can by no means be described as a turning point. Following the talks, Sergey Lavrov stated that he had gleaned nothing new from the speech by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful: the latter had simply reiterated Berlin’s long-standing position.
“The underlying message was: ‘Here I am [the German Foreign Minister], I have deigned to engage with you, but now, in return for this gesture of goodwill on my part, let’s see some concessions from you on the Ukrainian front,’” commented the Russian minister.
