EPA
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NOS News•yesterday, 22:08
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For the first time since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the United States has had direct contact with Russia. US Secretary of State Blinken spoke by telephone with his counterpart Lavrov, among other things about that war. There was also talk of a possible prisoner exchange.
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According to Blinken, it was a “candid and direct conversation.” AP news agency writes that Blinken has told Lavrov that the world will never recognize any Russian annexation of Ukrainian territory. According to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, Lavrov stressed that Russia will achieve all the goals of the “special military operation”. Western arms supplies to Ukraine will only prolong the conflict and lead to more casualties, Lavrov said.
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Grain
Blinken further emphasized at Lavrov that Russia must stick to the agreements about the grain deal, which was concluded a week ago. For a long time, the war prevented Ukrainian ships from sailing with grain. This has resulted in a worldwide shortage of grain. According to Lavrov, it is precisely the American sanctions that have a negative effect on the global food supply.
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Today Ukrainian President Zelensky paid an unannounced visit to the port of Chernomorsk. In that harbor a ship with grain is ready for departure. It should be the first shipment of grain to leave since the grain deal was closed. Zelensky emphasized that it is important for Ukraine that the country guarantees the global food supply.
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Prisoner Swap
The conversation between the two ministers was also about a possible prisoner exchange. Earlier this week, the US asked Russia to release two American prisoners.
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These include basketball player Brittney Griner, who was arrested in February on suspicion of drug possession, and ex-Marine Paul Whelan, who was convicted of espionage. In exchange for their release, America would have offered to release convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
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It is not known how Lavrov reacted to this proposal. According to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, Lavrov has ordered Blinken to stop speculating through the media about a possible prisoner swap. A statement issued by the news agency said that “the Russian side has advised a return to a professional mode, in the form of quiet diplomacy”.
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