US and Russia make strides in diplomatic understanding
The American side has begun to better understand our position. The agreements we have reached include ensuring the swift appointment of Russian and US ambassadors and addressing issues created over the years by Joe Biden's administration, declared Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov after a meeting in Riyadh.
"The discussion was very beneficial. We not only listened but truly heard each other, and I have reason to believe that the American side has begun to understand our position better. This understanding is based on specific examples from Putin's multiple statements," declared Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov after the US-Russian talks in Riyadh.
According to Lavrov, both sides agreed to remove barriers related to diplomatic missions and to appoint US ambassadors to Russia and vice versa as soon as possible. He also mentioned economic cooperation with the United States.
"The problems that Joe Biden's administration has created over many years for our diplomatic missions should be addressed as quickly as possible," said Lavrov in Riyadh.
"Today, we explained to our colleagues what Putin has repeatedly emphasized: that NATO's expansion and the integration of Ukraine into the North Atlantic Alliance pose a direct threat to the interests of the Russian Federation, a direct threat to our sovereignty," Lavrov repeated before journalists.
Earlier at a press conference after talks regarding Ukraine, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that to resolve any conflict, concessions must be made by all participants. He pointed to the European Union, which has also imposed sanctions on Russia.
Meanwhile, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev—another member of the Russian delegation in Riyadh alongside Lavrov—told Reuters after the talks with US representatives that it is too early to discuss compromises.
