Both were attending the G-20 summit in India.
On the sidelines of the G-20 meeting, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had the opportunity for a brief face-to-face meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. It was their first in-person meeting since Ukraine was invaded by Russia a year ago.
A State Department official said that Secretary Blinken made three points. First was the “as long as it takes” decision the U.S. has made in support of Ukraine. Second, that Russia should not suspend participation in the New START nuclear arms treaty, and, third, that American Paul Whelan, being held by the Russians, should be released.
He concluded by saying, “I wouldn’t say that coming out of this encounter there was any expectation that things will change in the near term.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for the secretary of state as he engages foreign ministers and diplomats.
- For State Department officials and ambassadors to represent the United States with integrity.
- For the president and his administration and the ongoing commitment to support for Ukraine.
Sources: Washington Examiner, CNN
