Berlin

Germany's foreign minister met with her Russian counterpart in a rare face-to-face encounter, urging Moscow to step back from what she called a dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine. The meeting stands out given how few high-level contacts between Berlin and Moscow have taken place since Russia's full-scale invasion, and it signals continued diplomatic channels despite deep tensions.

Germany and Russia have held their first direct talks since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The resumption of contact between Berlin and Moscow marks a notable diplomatic shift, coming as debate grows in Germany and across Europe over how to approach Russia diplomatically. Details of what was discussed and any outcomes remain limited so far.

Russia's and Germany's top diplomats met on the sidelines of the United Nations in what both sides describe as their first direct talks since 2022. The meeting marks a rare high-level contact between Moscow and Berlin since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine severed most formal dialogue between the two governments.

The German and Russian foreign ministers have held a rare direct meeting at a time of sharply heightened tensions between Berlin and Moscow. Direct high-level contacts between the two governments have become unusual since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, making the talks notable. The meeting suggests both sides see some value in keeping diplomatic channels open, even as political relations remain deeply strained.

Germany has called on Russia to stop what Berlin describes as dangerous escalation targeting NATO countries. The appeal comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said recent overnight Russian strikes show the urgent need for stronger international response and support. The diplomatic intervention underscores rising tensions between Russia and the Western alliance, with European capitals increasingly voicing concern over actions they see as provocative toward NATO members.

Germany has concluded that Russia is not currently prepared for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. The assessment followed a meeting between German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, during which Berlin sought to gauge Moscow's willingness to engage on ending the conflict. German officials say Russia's posture showed no genuine readiness for serious talks.

Germany's foreign minister says her meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov was driven by security concerns linked to Russia, amid ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine. The talks, held on the margins of the UN General Assembly, mark a rare high-level contact between Berlin and Moscow, and analysts are watching whether it signals any shift in European diplomacy toward Russia.

Germany's and Russia's foreign ministers have held a rare direct conversation as tensions between Berlin and Moscow remain high. German Foreign Minister Wadephul urged Russia to abandon what he called a dangerous path, but Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed the appeal. The exchange marks unusual diplomatic contact between the two governments as the war in Ukraine continues to strain relations.

Russian and German diplomats have held their first high-level talks since 2022, meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations. The encounter marks the most significant direct contact between the two governments since Germany radically reoriented its Russia policy after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The talks signal a possible, cautious thaw in diplomatic channels between Berlin and Moscow, though no concrete outcomes have been announced.

The foreign ministers of Germany and Russia have met on the sidelines of the United Nations, in what is being described as a rare direct encounter between the two governments. Talks between Berlin and Moscow have been almost non-existent since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, making any high-level contact notable as diplomatic channels remain sharply strained.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, the first meeting of the two countries' top diplomats since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Wadephul explained on German television, during the UN General Assembly, how the encounter with Lavrov came about. The talks mark a notable diplomatic contact between Berlin and Moscow at a time when the war in Ukraine continues.

The foreign ministers of Russia and Germany have met on the sidelines of the United Nations in what is reported to be their first such talks since 2022. The meeting marks the first direct high-level diplomatic contact between the two governments since Russia's invasion of Ukraine pushed relations to a historic low, and it is drawing attention as a possible sign of shifting communication channels.

The foreign ministers of Russia and Germany met in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, in their first talks since 2022, according to Reuters. Representatives of both sides said they discussed bilateral relations and the war in Ukraine. The meeting marks the first high-level diplomatic contact between Moscow and Berlin since Russia's full-scale invasion, drawing attention to whether it signals any thaw or shift in European diplomacy toward Russia.

The German and Russian foreign ministers have met at the United Nations, a rare face-to-face encounter between the two governments amid deep strains over Russia's war in Ukraine. Direct talks between Berlin and Moscow have been almost entirely frozen since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, making even a brief meeting on the sidelines of the UN notable. Observers are watching for any sign of a shift in diplomatic contacts.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Sunday that his decision to meet Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov was driven by security concerns and the need to address a growing food-export crisis. The meeting marks a notable diplomatic contact between Berlin and Moscow at a time when European governments remain divided over engagement with Russia.

Russia's and Germany's foreign ministers met on the sidelines of the United Nations in what is reported as their first talks since 2022. The meeting marks the first high-level diplomatic contact between Moscow and Berlin in over two years, amid ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine. Details of what was discussed have not been widely reported, but the encounter is being noted as a possible sign of shifting diplomacy between the two countries.

The German and Russian foreign ministers have met for the first time since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The talks mark a notable diplomatic contact between Berlin and Moscow, which have been at odds since February 2022. Details of what was discussed and any outcomes remain limited in the reports so far.

Germany's CDU has been pushed out of power in state elections, with the AfD and Die Linke emerging as the winners in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Berlin respectively. Attention now turns to coalition negotiations, as no party has a straightforward path to government and analysts are debating who will govern the two states and how the results reshape national politics ahead of the federal race.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has convened talks with European Union counterparts aimed at tightening the EU's migration pact. The discussions focus on strengthening border controls and speeding up asylum procedures across the bloc. Dobrindt, who leads Germany's interior ministry, has pushed for a firmer line on irregular migration, and the meeting signals Berlin is seeking to rally EU partners behind stricter enforcement of the common European asylum and migration framework.

Germany has called for 'profound' reforms to the United Nations, according to an Anadolu Agency report. The appeal adds to long-running debate over whether the UN, particularly the Security Council, reflects current global realities. Berlin's position is being closely watched amid ongoing discussions about the organisation's structure and effectiveness.

Germany has moved against Berlin's 'Russian House', a Russian state-linked cultural centre that remained open throughout Russia's war in Ukraine despite EU sanctions. Its survival was shielded by a reciprocal arrangement protecting Moscow's Goethe-Institut. The final trigger was Germany's accusation of sabotage ties, prompting Berlin to end the arrangement and move to shut the centre down.

Tigst Assefa's attempt at a world record at the Berlin Marathon was undone by cramps, while Guye Adola took the men's title in the German capital. The race, one of the world's fastest marathon courses, saw the Ethiopian star fall short of the mark despite her record-breaking pedigree, handing attention instead to Adola's victory.

A far-left party has won the election in Berlin, campaigning on a pledge to nationalise the city's housing stock. The result signals strong voter support for radical measures against the German capital's housing shortage and rising rents, and is expected to trigger debate over property expropriation both in Germany and across Europe.

Search interest is high around the results of the BMW Berlin Marathon, one of the World Marathon Majors and a course known for producing world records. Organisers' focus is already shifting to the 2026 edition, with talk of top women targeting record times on Berlin's fast, flat course. Fans are discussing finishing times, elite performances and what the outcomes mean for the world marathon scene.

Germany has selected Munich as its candidate city to host the Summer Olympics, targeting 2036, 2040 or 2044. The decision means Munich, which hosted the 1972 Games, would lead Germany's attempt to bring the Olympics back to the country. Details of the German Olympic Sports Confederation's decision and next steps in the international bidding process are awaited.

Munich has been chosen as Germany's candidate city to host the Olympic Games, with the bid targeting 2036, 2040 or 2044. The German Olympic Sports Confederation's decision puts Munich forward for one of three future summer Games. A 2036 Games in Germany would carry historical weight, arriving a century after the 1936 Berlin Olympics held under the Nazi regime.

The Berlin Marathon is one of the most searched topics in several European countries, ranking first in the Netherlands, fifth in Germany and seventh in Sweden, with strong interest also in the UK. The race is one of the World Marathon Majors, known for its flat, fast course through the German capital, and regularly attracts elite runners chasing world records alongside tens of thousands of amateur participants.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is governing Germany as a series of state elections put his coalition under political pressure. Commentators are watching how Merz's leadership and his government's early record influence outcomes at the regional level, and what the votes could mean for the stability of his administration in Berlin.

The BMW Berlin Marathon is taking place in Berlin today, drawing live television and streaming coverage on free-to-air channels. The event is generating high interest across multiple European countries, ranking among the most searched topics in Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom, as running fans follow the elite races and mass participation field.