IDM Director Schäffer comments on Wadephul-Lavrov meeting for TVP World

IDM Director Sebastian Schäffer commented for TVP World on the meeting between German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. 

Schäffer argued that, despite the meeting producing few tangible results, it was right for Wadephul to engage directly with Lavrov. “We cannot outsource diplomacy. We cannot leave it to others. We can also not outsource our security,” he said, stressing that European states need to remain directly involved even when Moscow subsequently dismisses such diplomatic efforts. 

Commenting on Lavrov’s accusations against Germany and Ukraine, Schäffer warned that this rhetoric serves a broader Russian narrative intended to justify its actions and provide plausible deniability. He said he expects increased Russian activity not only in Germany but also in other NATO member states. 

The report also addressed Germany’s response to the attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport and Wadephul’s warning that further hybrid attacks would not weaken German support for Ukraine. 

Watch the full TVP World report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9JMjnN6n-k