German Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova responded to German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul's remark that Russia must prove it wants peace by citing the Gospel of Matthew: 'Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine.' The exchange drew attention for its unusually sharp, insult-laden tone, underlining the deep chill in Moscow-Berlin relations and the broader standoff over whether Russia is genuinely seeking an end to the war in Ukraine.