Merz says Lavrov comments show Moscow not interested in serious negotiations

Key Points:

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Russia for not being ready for "serious talks" after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed a recent meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul as offering "nothing new."
• The meeting between Wadephul and Lavrov at the U.N. was the first between the two countries' foreign ministers since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Germany reiterating its support for Ukraine politically, financially, and militarily.
• Lavrov's dismissive comments followed Wadephul's attempt to address security concerns, including a drone incident at a German airport blamed on Moscow, and the ongoing global food crisis linked to the conflict.
• Merz reaffirmed Germany's demands for Russia to end its invasion, ensure European involvement in peace negotiations, and provide Ukraine with a path to EU membership, warning that Russia will face severe economic and political consequences if the war continues.