US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
Photo : AP
The US diplomat did not comment on Lavrov’s reaction during the talks. On Wednesday, Blinken said that he planned to contact Lavrov in an attempt to free the two Americans and would push forward a proposal in this regard. According to reports, the proposal includes swapping the two Americans for convicted Russian arms smuggler Viktor Bout.
During the talks, Blinken also pressed that Russia should honour the grain deal brokered by Turkey earlier this month to allow the export of grains from the Black Sea ports of Ukraine. Issues a stern warning to Moscow, he also told Lavrov that the world would not recognise the annexation of Ukrainian territory.
“It was very important that the Russians hear directly from us that that will not be accepted — and not only will it not be accepted, it will result in additional significant costs being imposed upon Russia,” reported AFP quoting Blinken as saying.
Notably, It was the first telephonic conversation between Blinken and Lavrov since February 15, days before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia began its military operation in UKraine of February 24.
