The head of US diplomacy, Anthony Blinken, announced on Friday, July 29, that he had a discussion “sincerewith his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, during which the American warned that the world will not recognize “never“The annexation of Ukrainian territories to Russia.
He also urged Sergey Lavrov to accept the US offer to ensure the release of Americans detained in Russia. “We had a frank and direct discussion“, the US Secretary of State said during a press conference. “I called on the Kremlin to accept the substantial offer we made to them“. On Wednesday, the head of US diplomacy announced that he plans to contact his Russian counterpart to discuss a US offer to release basketball player Brittney Griner and former US soldier Paul Whelan. It could be exchanged for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer jailed in the US.
“Significant additional costs”
Antony Blinken refused to describe Sergey Lavrov’s reaction. “I can’t say I think anything is more or less likely“, he said. “But it was important that he listen directly.In turn, Russian diplomacy noted that the two ministers “exchanged their opinions on the issue of bilateral relations, which are in dire need of settlement“. “As for the possible exchange of Russian and American prisoners, the Russian side insisted on returning to a professional dialogue system, free from media speculation. “quiet diplomacy“, he said in a statement.
Antony Blinken said that he warned Sergey Lavrov that the world would not recognize “never“The annexation of Ukrainian territories to Russia. “It was very important that the Russians heard directly from us that this would not be accepted, and not only would it not be accepted, but would result in significant additional costs for Russia.“, he announced. The American official also said that Russia is preparing “rigged referendums“to try”show false“those people who live in these Ukrainian territories”.seeks to become part of Russia“.
Antony Blinken also urged his Russian counterpart to ensure that Moscow fulfills its obligations under an agreement negotiated with the help of Turkey regarding Ukrainian grain products blocked in Ukrainian ports. Sergey Lavrov condemned the continuation of supplies”.American and NATO weapons to the Ukrainian armed forces and nationalist battalions, which are widely used against the civilian population, prolonging the agony of the Kiev regime, prolonging the conflict and multiplying the casualties.According to Russian diplomacy.
Source: Le Figaro
