German foreign minister

Germany's foreign minister met with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, saying the talks were driven by security concerns linked to Russia. The meeting signals continued diplomatic contact between Berlin and Moscow despite broader tensions, and Reuters reported the minister framed the engagement as a response to the security challenges Russia poses.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Sunday his decision to meet Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov was driven by security concerns and the need to address a growing food-export crisis. The rare high-level contact between Berlin and Moscow is drawing attention as Europe weighs diplomacy with Russia against continued support for Ukraine.

Germany's foreign minister met with her Russian counterpart in a rare face-to-face encounter, urging Moscow to step back from what she called a dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine. The meeting stands out given how few high-level contacts between Berlin and Moscow have taken place since Russia's full-scale invasion, and it signals continued diplomatic channels despite deep tensions.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is traveling to The Hague for a visit to the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, combined with discussions on the EU's budget strategy. The trip underlines Germany's positioning on international justice institutions at a time when they face political pressure, while Berlin weighs its stance on the European Union's next long-term budget.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul's meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is drawing reactions across Germany's political spectrum. According to Der Spiegel, the SPD and the Greens have praised Wadephul over the talks. CDU foreign policy politician Roderich Kiesewetter is among the figures being searched in connection with the discussion about the diplomatic move.