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Merz reveals Russia’s lack of interest in negotiations following diplomatic talks

Wed, September 30, 2026 - 07:30
2 min
Merz reveals Russia’s lack of interest in negotiations following diplomatic talks Photo: Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Russia is not interested in participating in genuine peace negotiations. Against this backdrop, he promised to continue supporting Ukraine, according to NTV.

NTV notes that the head of the German government views the recent meeting between German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as evidence of Moscow's unwillingness to engage in serious peace talks.

"Russia's subsequent assessment of this meeting showed that Russia is clearly not interested in serious negotiations at this time. Therefore, we will make every effort to continue helping and supporting Ukraine," he said.

The German Chancellor added that support involves not only military, but also political, financial, and economic spheres.

Background

On Saturday, Wadephul and Lavrov held a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. During this meeting, the German Foreign Minister urged Russia to cease hybrid attacks and refrain from further escalation against Germany, Europe, and NATO.

He also made it clear that a return to constructive dialogue would be possible if Russia ended its war against Ukraine.

Despite Chancellor Merz's statement, Wadephul said yesterday that negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine could resume soon. He emphasized that Germany must take part in them.

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