Russia accuses Europe of thwarting Ukraine talks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused European countries on Saturday of trying to block talks to end the war in Ukraine, telling the UN General Assembly that Russia would achieve its aims in Ukraine “no matter the circumstances”.

“Europe is doing everything it can to thwart peace talks in which the Trump administration is interested,” Lavrov said. He also said the aims of what Moscow calls its “special military operation” would be achieved and that what he called the threat to Russian security would be eliminated.

US President Donald Trump told the UN General Assembly on Tuesday that a deal between Russia and Ukraine to end Moscow's invasion could happen soon. No breakthrough has been reported in US-led talks.

Earlier Saturday, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met Lavrov in the first meeting between Moscow and Berlin's foreign ministers since before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The meeting came amid increased tension between Germany and Russia, with Berlin accusing Moscow of orchestrating an attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport and each country ordering the closure of the other's consulate.

A German diplomat said Wadephul called on Russia to abandon its “dangerous path of escalation” toward Germany, Europe and NATO. The diplomat said Wadephul made clear that incidents such as the attempted attack in Leipzig or further hybrid assaults would not shake Germany's support for Ukraine.

Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the meeting was initiated by Berlin and lasted about 20 minutes, according to Russia's TASS news agency.

Lavrov also told leaders at the UN General Assembly that Russia was ready to help stabilise the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf region, saying trust was needed between Gulf states, Arab states and Iran.