Merz after German-Russian meeting in New York: Moscow is not seeking serious negotiations on Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the meeting held in New York between the foreign ministers of Germany and Russia showed that Moscow “is not at all interested in serious negotiations” on the war in Ukraine.

Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, Merz said Germany was pursuing vigorous diplomatic efforts. He was referring to Saturday’s surprise meeting between Johann Vandeful and Sergei Lavrov, which took place before the Russian minister’s address to the United Nations.

It was the first contact at this level since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Meanwhile, Berlin remains Kyiv’s main military supporter.

“The way Russia subsequently assessed this meeting made it clear that, for the time being, it has no interest whatsoever in serious negotiations,” Merz said at a joint news conference with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

After talks with Vandeful, Lavrov spoke from the UN podium. He accused Europe of obstructing peace in Ukraine and declared that Moscow would achieve its objectives in the country “under any circumstances.”

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the meeting had produced no new developments but had ended with “mockery from the Russian side.”

Merz repeated his call for the Russian government to sit down at the negotiating table and engage in genuine negotiations to bring the war to an end.

The German chancellor also promised to “do everything he can to continue helping Ukraine,” warning that Russia “will have to pay the price” if it continues the war.