Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke over the phone on Sunday to discuss the prospects of upcoming peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, which is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on June 2.
“The situation linked to the Ukraine crisis was discussed,” the ministry said in its official statement. “S.V. Lavrov and Marco Rubio also exchanged views on various initiatives concerning a settlement of the Ukraine crisis, including plans to resume direct Russian-Ukrainian talks in Istanbul on June 2.”
The US State Department confirmed the call took place at Russia’s request, adding that Rubio supported President Donald Trump’s push for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in order to achieve “a lasting peace.”
RUSSIA SHARES PEACE PROPOSALS, US OFFERS SUPPORT
During the call, Lavrov stated that Russia is preparing proposals for the next round of direct negotiations with Ukraine.
“The Minister informed Marco Rubio about implementing the May 19 agreements between President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of the United States Donald Trump, as well as about the preparation by the Russian side of specific proposals for the next round of direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in Istanbul,” the ministry said.
Rubio, in response, said Washington is ready to assist both sides in narrowing their differences and ending the war quickly. “For his part, Marco Rubio emphasised Donald Trump’s intention to quickly bring the Ukraine conflict to an end and expressed Washington’s readiness to help the sides to bring their positions closer together,” the statement read.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said the two diplomats “reaffirmed their mutual commitment to continue constructive and reciprocally respectful dialogue between the foreign policy agencies of Russia and the United States.”
RUBIO OFFERS CONDOLENCES FOR BRIDGE BLASTS IN RUSSIA
The fatal events involving the destruction of two bridges in areas bordering Ukraine were also brought up by the Russian side. Russian officials say the explosions killed at least seven people and injured 69 others.
Rubio offered condolences for the lives lost. “It was stressed on the Russian side that competent bodies will proceed with a thorough investigation and the results will be published. The guilty parties will be identified and will without doubt be subject to a worthy punishment,” the statement said.
Tune In