For the first time since the start of the Ukraine war in February, US and Russian foreign ministers spoke directly. “We had an open and direct conversation,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Washington on Friday. He told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that the world would “never” accept an annexation of Ukrainian territories.
Blinken said he also urged Lavrov to honor the grain export agreement brokered by Turkey. According to the US chief diplomat, he also found clear words about any plans by Moscow to annex additional areas of Ukraine currently occupied by the Russian military. He told Lavrov it would mean “extra costs” for Russia, Blinken said.
Negotiations on imprisoned Americans
On the possible release of basketball pro Brittney Griner and former US soldier Paul Whelan, who were imprisoned in Russia, Blinken said he had urged Moscow to accept Washington’s “serious proposal” for their release. According to media reports, the US plan communicated weeks ago includes an exchange of the two US citizens with Russian arms smuggler Viktor Bout, who is in prison in the US.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
