Merz says Lavrov comments show Moscow not interested in serious negotiations

BERLIN — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Tuesday Moscow had proven it was not ready for “serious talks” after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized a surprise meeting with his German counterpart. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held a meeting with Lavrov at the U.N. on Saturday in what marked the first meeting between ministers from the two countries since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Following the meeting, Lavrov characterized Wadephul's positions during the talks as "nothing new." Merz struck back at the Russian foreign minister at a press conference in Berlin.