At the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in India, US Secretary of State Brinken made a brief contact with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. It was the first direct dialogue between the two countries since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine about a year ago.
Blinken has asked Lavrov to take action toward a peace deal with Ukraine, a Biden administration official said on Monday. He also addressed the issue of US citizens being detained in Russia.
Russia’s foreign ministry denied the importance of the exchange, arguing that it was a brief exchange of views at Mr Brinken’s request and could not be called “consultations or talks”. Interfax reported.
Mr. Blinken told Mr. Lavrov that the United States and international partners will continue to support Ukraine as long as it is needed, said a senior State Department official who spoke on condition of anonymity in a teleconference. The conversation between the two lasted about 10 minutes.
Blinken also urged Lavrov to implement the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START).
Original title:Blinken Pressed Lavrov in Rare But Brief Meeting at G-20 Summit(excerpt)