Lavrov announces new Russia-U.S. meeting this week

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Monday that Russia and the U.S. will hold full-fledged talks later this week to address diplomatic mission issues.

Speaking in Ankara alongside Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, Lavrov also shared details of last week’s U.S.-Russia discussions in Saudi Arabia.

"We have informed our Turkish friends in detail about the Russian-American talks that took place on February 18 in Riyadh, which were highly appreciated in terms of the opportunity to finally have a normal dialogue, despite the numerous contradictions that, of course, persist," he said.

Lavrov stated that Moscow is open to talks on the Ukraine conflict but will only halt combat if a settlement meets its terms. He noted past Russian cease-fires were used by Ukraine to strengthen its positions.

"We are ready to negotiate with Ukraine, Europe, and any representatives who would like to help achieve peace in good faith, but we will stop fighting only when these negotiations produce a firm and sustainable result that suits the Russian Federation," he said.

Lavrov claimed a 2022 Ukraine peace deal was blocked by Boris Johnson and the West to weaken Russia. He said Moscow awaits a U.S. negotiator for talks and insisted Ukraine must not join NATO in any future agreement.

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