Newsletters
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed readiness to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss strained bilateral relations and the ongoing war in Ukraine, state media reported Sunday.
In remarks to the RIA Novosti news agency, Lavrov said both sides understand the importance of maintaining dialogue between Moscow and Washington, especially as the war enters its fourth year.
"That’s why we communicate by phone and are also prepared to hold in-person meetings when necessary,” Lavrov was quoted as saying. He added that ties remain burdened by “many irritants” left over from the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden.
Lavrov said Russia sees a “certain willingness” from President Donald Trump’s new administration to resume talks, though “not as quickly as we would like.” He acknowledged it will take time to “clear up the mess.”
Lavrov noted that two rounds of consultations had already been held, but argued that the dialogue should go beyond resolving issues related to diplomatic missions.
“It is important to address matters such as restoring direct air service and returning Russian diplomatic property illegally seized by [former President] Barack Obama in December 2016, three weeks before Donald Trump’s first inauguration,” Lavrov said.
He added that Moscow’s proposals on both matters had been conveyed to Washington, and working-level contacts are ongoing.
Lavrov’s comments came amid speculation over his standing with President Vladimir Putin, following the cancellation of a planned summit between Trump and Putin in Budapest last month.
On Friday, the Kremlin dismissed a Financial Times report claiming Lavrov had “fallen out of favor” with Putin. The report, citing unnamed sources, said Trump called off the Budapest meeting after a phone conversation with Lavrov, during which Moscow reiterated demands to address the “root causes” of the Ukraine conflict.
According to the FT, that phone call—the latest between Lavrov and Rubio—took place on Oct. 20.
Lavrov did not comment directly on the report but stressed that dialogue between Moscow and Washington is essential. He said both sides are exploring options to resume high-level talks.
2 min read
1 min read
