Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Europe at the U.N. General Assembly of trying to thwart peace talks backed by the Trump administration. U.S.-led efforts have not produced a permanent ceasefire or peace deal as Russia and Ukraine continue attacks.
Before the speech, Lavrov met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul—the first meeting between Moscow’s and Berlin’s foreign ministers since before the war. Wadephul urged Russia to negotiate, saying the war threatens millions of innocent people, Ukraine’s state and culture, and Europe’s peace order. Germany has also accused Russia of orchestrating an attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport, and both countries ordered the other’s consulate closed.
Russia and Ukraine had stepped up attacks after the deadliest summer since 2022. Ukrainian officials said Russian attacks killed four people across Ukraine on Saturday, while Kyiv continued targeting Russian oil refineries and industrial sites with long-range drones. President Trump said he hoped Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin would make a deal, possibly before the heavy winter.
