Nebenzya calls Wadephul–Lavrov meeting diplomatic theatre

Russia’s UN ambassador, Vasily Nebenzya, criticised September’s meeting between Johann Wadephul and Sergei Lavrov as diplomatic theatre. He made the assessment at a UN Security Council meeting on October 9.

Nebenzya said Germany’s foreign minister had repeated accusations against Russia over the war in Ukraine rather than holding a substantive discussion. He questioned the German leadership’s independent foreign policy and willingness to engage respectfully with Moscow. Those assertions reflect the Russian representative’s assessment.

The ministers met during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session in September. RIA Novosti reported that Germany requested the meeting. Nebenzya’s new comments assessed that earlier exchange. The official transcript also records his warning that Europe’s lack of an alternative plan was an alarming signal for the world.