Germany and Russia's Foreign Ministers Hold First Talks Since 2022 at UN, Discuss Grain Exports and Ukraine

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met at the United Nations on September 26, 2026, for their first diplomatic talks since 2022. During the meeting, Wadephul emphasized the need for an agreement on grain exports through the Black Sea, a topic that has been a focal point of international negotiations. The discussion also included concerns over drone incursions in Ukraine, with Wadephul urging Lavrov to take steps toward de-escalation. Wadephul’s remarks were reported by Rappler, which cited a source stating that he directly urged Lavrov to prioritize the grain export agreement. The Financial Times noted that the conversation was described as 'intense,' with Wadephul warning Lavrov about the risks posed by drone activity. Other outlets, including Arab News, AP News, Reuters, and the FT, confirmed the meeting but provided less detail on the specific content of the discussions. The meeting represents a rare diplomatic engagement between Germany and Russia, highlighting the complex dynamics of international relations in the current geopolitical climate. While the immediate consequences of the talks remain unclear, the dialogue underscores the ongoing efforts to address critical issues such as food security and regional stability.