Blinken urged Russia to reverse President Vladimir Putin’s decision to suspend New START, a key nuclear arms control treaty between the world’s two largest nuclear powers.
NEW DELHI — Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov chatted briefly on the sidelines of a Group of 20 meeting in India on Thursday, the first meeting between the top diplomats since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Their encounter involved less than 10 minutes of discussion, a senior State Department official said in a background call with reporters.
Blinken urged Moscow to reverse Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision last month to suspend New START, the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between the world’s two largest nuclear powers.
He said that the treaty is in the interests of both the countries, as well as international security, and that the world expects the nations to behave responsibly when it comes to nuclear security, the senior official said.
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WNU Editor: Both diplomats knew that the other-one was showing up at this G20 meeting. So saying this meeting was unplanned as some in the media are saying is a stretch. My gut tells me it was arranged a few hours and/or a day or two before the G20 meeting started, and the US asked for it. I just cannot see the Russian Foreign Ministry asking for this meeting in the current environment.
As to what was discussed in this 10 minute meeting. Your guess is as good as mine. The reality is that relations between the two countries have been destroyed, And while both sides are not waging war against each other directly, this war is definitely being waged. Aside from Blinken stating US positions. Ditto from Russia. Blinken and Lavrov probably just made a commitment to keep channels open (both front and backdoor), and if there is a problem with these channels, to use a specific neutral country/government to send messages.
Update: The US asked for this meeting. And according to the US side, they told Lavrov that the US is going to continue to supply arms to Ukraine, and that Russia should reverse suspending the START II nuclear treaty .... Ukraine updates: Blinken and Lavrov exchange words at G20 (DW). The Russian Foreign Ministry is saying nothing was decided upon .... Lavrov, Blinken talked in India 'on the go,' no negotiations took place — spokeswoman (TASS).
US Secretary of State Blinken And Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Meet At The G20 For The First Time Since The Start Of The Ukraine War
US, Russia hold highest-level talks since Ukraine invasion -- AP
‘End this war of aggression’ in Ukraine, Blinken tells Russia’s Lavrov at G20 -- France 24
Blinken, Lavrov speak amid war of words over Ukraine at G20 meet -- Reuters
Blinken and Lavrov meet for first time since Ukraine war -- BBC
Blinken, Lavrov speak briefly at G-20 meeting -- Politico
Blinken, top Russian diplomat speak briefly at G-20 -- The Hill
Blinken, Lavrov meet for first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- USA Today
Blinken unexpectedly meets Lavrov for first time since Russian invasion -- Axios
Blinken and Lavrov meet at G20 -- RT
Blinken, Lavrov talk at G20 meeting as US-Russia tensions soar -- Al Jazeera