Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced his readiness to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing that achieving peace in Ukraine is possible only by taking into account Russia's interests, RIA Novosti reports, News.bg reports.
"Marco Rubio and I understand the importance of regular communication. It is necessary to discuss the situation in Ukraine and to maintain the bilateral agenda. "That's why we are holding phone calls and are ready to meet face-to-face when necessary," Lavrov said.
His statement comes in the context of speculation about possible tension between Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin, which the Kremlin dismissed on Friday.
According to Western media, including "Reuters" and the Financial Times, attempts to organize a new meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump were suspended last month after the Russian Foreign Ministry said it would not budge from its position on the Ukrainian issue.
The Financial Times cited a source as saying that the conversation between Lavrov and Rubio had "cooled Washington's enthusiasm" for a new summit.
Lavrov's current position is seen as an attempt to maintain the diplomatic channel between Moscow and Washington, despite the sharp deterioration in relations after failed talks to end the war in Ukraine.