SAEDNEWS: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he was ready to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio but that Russia's interests would have to be taken into account for there to be peace in Ukraine.
The Kremlin on Friday dismissed speculation that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had fallen out of favor with President Vladimir Putin after efforts to organize a summit between Putin and Donald Trump were suspended last month.
Reuters and other outlets reported that Washington canceled the planned summit after Lavrov's ministry indicated that Moscow was unwilling to compromise on its demands regarding Ukraine. Britain’s Financial Times cited a source suggesting that Lavrov’s conversation with Senator Marco Rubio had discouraged U.S. officials.
"Secretary of State Marco Rubio and I understand the need for regular communication," Lavrov told the state news agency RIA.
"It is important for discussing the Ukrainian issue and advancing the bilateral agenda. That is why we communicate by telephone and are ready to hold face-to-face meetings when necessary," he added.
