The Foreign Ministry considered the statement of the State Department about the conversation with Lavrov a “megaphone” practice
Russia has not received any inquiries from the United States regarding the telephone conversation between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and State Department chief Anthony Blinken, the ministry said, TASS reports.
“Apart from media reports, there were no inquiries. We are guided by the usual diplomatic practice, and not by megaphone,— reported in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Earlier, Blinken announced that he plans to talk with Lavrov by phone in the coming days. He noted that this would be their first conversation since Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine.
Among the topics to be To discuss, the head of the State Department singled out the release of Paul Whelan, an employee of the American auto parts manufacturer BorgWarner, who was convicted of espionage in Russia in 2020, and basketball player Britney Griner, who is accused of drug smuggling. In addition, he intends to talk with Lavrov about a deal for the export of grain, which was concluded by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN. Blinken called the agreement a positive step, but noted that there is a difference “between a deal on paper and in practice.”
The last time Lavrov and Blinken spoke by phone was February 15. They were supposed to meet in person on February 24, but Blinken canceled the meeting hours before President Vladimir Putin announced the start of the operation in Ukraine. The head of the State Department explained the decision by saying that he sees the beginning of hostilities and does not want to “create the appearance of diplomacy.”
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