Blinken told reporters that he urged Lavrov to agree to a US offer to release two US citizens illegally detained in Russia.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held the first telephone conversation since the start of Russia’s all-out war against Ukraine. This was reported by a number of Western correspondents, including CNN, writing European Truth.
Blinken said he spoke on the phone with Lavrov, and it was an “honest and direct conversation.” He urged Lavrov to agree to the US proposal to release two US citizens illegally detained in Russia – Paul Whelan and basketball player Britney Griner. They also talked about unblocking grain exports from Ukraine through the Black Sea, and Blinken also expressed the US position on Russia’s intentions to annex new Ukrainian territories.
Blinken told reporters that he urged Lavrov to agree to a US proposal to release two US citizens illegally detained in Russia – Paul Whelan and basketball player Britney Griner.
He also urged Lavrov, on behalf of many countries of the world, to do what Russia agreed on in Istanbul and make it possible to export grain from Ukrainian ports across the Black Sea.
“It is important that he heard directly from me on behalf of many countries the expectations that Russia will take the next steps according to the agreements, end the blockade and allow the ships to pass,” said the Secretary of State .
In addition, he warned Russia about the consequences if the Kremlin continues to implement its plans to annex new Ukrainian territories.
Recall, earlier it was reported that US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken intends to have a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.