Lavrov called on the United States to release Russian citizens

This was stated at a briefing by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova.

“As for Russian citizens serving sentences in the United States, on March 24, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sent an oral message to the US Secretary of State, Mr. Pompeo,” Zakharova said.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman said that Lavrov's message contained an official call for Washington to release the Russians on humanitarian grounds due to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States.

According to her, since then, the Russian side has repeatedly raised this issue at various levels, but has not heard an unambiguous answer. 

“We urge our American colleagues to address this issue, and the sooner the better,” Zakharova noted.

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry denied reports of allegedly discussing with the United States the exchange of American Paul Whelan, convicted for espionage in Russia, for Russian citizens.