Sergei Lavrov accuses Europe of trying to block peace negotiations for Ukraine

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused European countries on Saturday, at the UN General Assembly, of trying to block peace talks for Ukraine and prevent initiatives backed by the Trump administration.

In a vehemently worded speech, Lavrov said that Moscow would achieve its military objectives in Ukraine “regardless of the circumstances.” He stated that Russia is seeking to eliminate threats to its security and return to “peaceful life.”

The statements were made after a meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, the first direct meeting between the heads of Russian and German diplomacy since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The discussion took place amid tensions between Berlin and Moscow.

Germany accused Russia of sending a drone loaded with explosives toward Leipzig Airport at the beginning of August. Subsequently, the two countries closed each other’s consulates.

Wadephul called on Lavrov to abandon the escalation of relations with Germany, Europe and NATO. The German minister said that the incidents in Leipzig and other hybrid attacks would not affect Berlin’s support for Ukraine.