The Russian Foreign Ministry said on the 23rd that Foreign Minister Lavrov met
in New York with US Secretary of State Rubio and urged both sides, citing
leaders’ consensus, to promptly repair bilateral relations. Lavrov called for
candid talks to remove triggers in the relationship, restore normal diplomatic
operations, and for the US to return Russian assets that have been effectively
confiscated in the United States, saying these are preconditions for repair. On
Ukraine, he said Kyiv coordinates closely with its European backers, reiterated
Russia will steadfastly pursue the objectives of its special military operation,
and said Moscow will also pursue political and diplomatic measures to resolve
the conflict by addressing its root causes.
