German FM: Direct talks with Lavrov yield nothing, Russia not ready for Ukraine peace

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that his recent meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov produced no progress, asserting Russia is not prepared for serious negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. This marks a notable shift from prior Western calls for direct dialogue, now publicly dismissed as futile. The statement signals hardening Western diplomatic posture and reduced near-term prospects for a negotiated settlement.