Lavrov: Germany seeks not to fall behind Ukraine train
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized Germany's efforts to engage in Ukraine peace talks, suggesting Berlin aims to 'not fall behind the train' of European policy, while expressing concern over NATO expansion and Europe's perception of Russia as an eternal enemy.
Consensus
- Sergey Lavrov made remarks about Germany's role in Ukraine peace efforts during a discussion at the Valdai International Discussion Club.
- Lavrov stated that Germany appears to want to avoid being left behind in the European approach to Ukraine.
- Lavrov criticized the European perception of Russia as an eternal enemy and NATO's stated intention to expand to include Ukraine.
- A meeting occurred between Lavrov and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
- The meeting lasted slightly over 20 minutes.
- The meeting was described as positive by Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian President, though he emphasized it did not signal a change in Berlin's policy.
Points of divergence
- Lavrov said that the German Foreign Minister took on the role of a 'herald' of European positions, which he described as 'very sad'. — vedomosti
- Lavrov said that if European officials repeat these positions in private without media presence, it would be a 'fruitless and even harmful' endeavor. — vesti
- Dmitry Peskov stated that the meeting did not indicate any change in Berlin's policy, but the fact of dialogue was positive. — vedomosti
- Lavrov expressed uncertainty about Germany's actual intentions in seeking involvement in Ukraine peace efforts. — vesti
Coverage (2 sources)
- Lavrov: Germany strives to 'not fall behind the train' in the Ukraine issue — Ведомости
- Lavrov on meeting with German Foreign Minister: Germany wants not to fall behind the train — Вести