European ministers

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov delivered a combative speech on the Ukraine war, sharply attacking European governments. According to the report, he mocked European leaders with the line 'You think we'll fall for your tricks?', accusing them of deception and bad faith over the conflict. The remarks drew wide attention online, with viewers reacting to the latest sign of Russia's deepening confrontation with Europe over Ukraine.

Germany's foreign minister has confirmed a meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, saying it was motivated by security concerns stemming from Russia's actions. The talks signal that Berlin, despite its strongly critical stance toward Moscow, still sees value in direct diplomatic contact on issues affecting European security. Observers are watching whether the exchange produces any change in Russia's posture toward the West.

The foreign ministers of Germany and Russia have held a rare face-to-face meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Direct talks between senior European and Russian officials have been scarce since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, making the encounter notable. Observers are watching for any signal of diplomacy, though no substantive outcomes have been reported from the discussion so far.

A defense minister says NATO must learn to break up and disperse its weapons manufacturing before it enters a major conflict, warning that concentrated defense production is a vulnerability. The comments add to ongoing debate within the alliance about whether European and NATO defense industries can produce ammunition and equipment fast enough, and safely enough, in the event of a large-scale war.

European ministers have met to discuss strengthening border controls and speeding up the return of migrants whose asylum claims are rejected. The talks focus on tighter management of external borders and streamlined deportation procedures. Details of any agreements reached were not immediately available, and the discussion comes amid continuing political pressure over migration policy across the European Union.

France's armed forces minister has described the French military deployment to Saudi Arabia as strictly defensive. The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions in the Gulf, and officials are stressing that the French presence poses no offensive intent. The move has drawn attention as European powers weigh their security commitments to Gulf partners.

The foreign ministers of Russia and Germany met in New York on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, in the first talks between the two countries at this level since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The meeting marks a notable diplomatic opening between Moscow and a key European power, and observers are watching closely for what it signals about the future of Russia-Europe relations and the war in Ukraine.

Poland's deputy defence minister says the country is ready to host a Patriot missile factory for Ukraine, should Kyiv secure the necessary agreements. The statement, reported by Agenzia Nova, signals Poland's willingness to expand defence-industrial cooperation to support Ukraine's war effort against Russia and strengthen NATO's eastern flank.

The Business Secretary has warned that a renewed campaign to rejoin the European Union risks creating uncertainty for businesses. The intervention comes as debate over the UK's relationship with Brussels resurfaces, with the minister arguing that reopening the question of EU membership would leave companies facing unclear long-term conditions for trade, investment and regulation.

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.

The UK business secretary has warned that a renewed campaign to rejoin the European Union risks creating uncertainty, reportedly for businesses and investors weighing long-term decisions. The intervention adds to ongoing debate in Britain over the country's post-Brexit relationship with the EU, where Leave and Remain positions continue to divide political parties and the public.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has claimed that statements by European leaders urging preparation for a possible armed confrontation with Russia could themselves provoke a war, calling such rhetoric a potential "self-fulfilling prophecy". His comments come amid heightened tensions over Ukraine and ongoing European discussions about defence readiness and the risk of a wider conflict with Moscow.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has revoked the credentials of Dutch diplomats operating in Ramallah, a move affecting the Netherlands' diplomatic presence in the Palestinian city. No further details have been reported on the number of diplomats involved or the reasons behind the decision, but the step is likely to strain relations between Israel and the Netherlands amid ongoing tensions over the war in Gaza.

The foreign ministers of Russia and Germany met in New York on Saturday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, in the first meeting at that level since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The talks mark a rare diplomatic contact between Moscow and a major European power and are drawing attention for what they may signal about the state of relations between Russia and the West.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov for about 20 minutes at the United Nations, urging Moscow to halt hybrid attacks and further escalation against Germany, Europe and NATO. The German delegation said Wadephul cited an attempted attack in Leipzig as an example of Russian hostile activity. The meeting marks a rare direct exchange between the two governments at a time of heightened tensions over sabotage, disinformation and the war in Ukraine.

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 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.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul briefed Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha by phone about his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Kyiv stressed being kept informed of any contacts involving Moscow. The call comes as European capitals closely monitor diplomatic exchanges with Russia over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Tony Blair is advising Andy Burnham on the question of rejoining the European Union, according to a Guardian column by Tom Baldwin. The piece weighs whether Burnham, seen as a potential future Labour leader, should take the former prime minister's counsel, reopening debate about Britain's EU relationship within Labour circles.

Italy's tourism minister Mazzi said tourism must be treated as an industry, claiming Italy now leads the EU in nights spent, ahead of Spain, with the sector worth more than 240 billion euros to the country. He argued tourism still lacks adequate recognition at European level, citing the absence of a dedicated EU policy framework for the sector.