Lavrov, Rubio discuss Ukraine crisis, agree to maintain communication

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed over phone the Ukraine conflict and recent diplomatic contacts involving Western nations, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

According to the ministry, Rubio, who is currently in Paris, informed Lavrov about his and special envoy Steven Witkoff’s meetings with the representatives of Ukraine, France, and other European countries.

Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s willingness to continue dialogue with Washington “to reliably eliminate the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis.”

The two sides agreed to maintain direct communication, particularly ahead of upcoming meetings between the US, European partners, and Ukrainian officials scheduled for next week.