US/Russia: Blinken says he had a “frank” discussion with Lavrov

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Sergei Lavrov on Friday July 29, 2022. © REUTERS - TASOS KATOPODIS

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The head of American diplomacy Antony Blinken announced on Friday July 29 that he had a “

frank

 ” discussion with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, whom he pressed to accept the offer of the United States to obtain the release of detained Americans. in Russia.

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"

We had a frank and direct discussion

," said the US Secretary of State during a press conference.

"

I called on the Kremlin to accept the substantial offer we made to them

."

Live now!

@SecBlinken holds a joint press availability with @SecRaimondo, @MofaJapan_en Hayashi, and @METI_JPN Haguida.

Also streaming on https://t.co/zoh2BcIV7g.

https://t.co/gEq7lxMovx

— Department of State (@StateDept) July 29, 2022

Antony Blinken said he warned Sergei Lavrov that the world would “

never

 ” recognize the annexation of Ukrainian territories by Russia.

The head of the American diplomacy announced on Wednesday that he planned to contact his Russian counterpart to discuss a United States offer to release basketball player

Brittney Griner

and ex-US soldier Paul Whelan.

It could be an exchange for

Viktor Bout

, a Russian arms dealer imprisoned in the United States.

The head of the American diplomacy added hope that the United States and China would manage to “

judiciously

 ” manage their differences on Taiwan

, at a time when a potential visit by the leader of the American congresses Nancy Pelosi in the island inflames tensions.

“

 It would be important that, as part of our shared responsibilities, we are able to continue to manage this judiciously, so as not to risk a conflict, and that we remain in communication on this issue

,” he said. .

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  • United States

  • Russia

  • Sergei Lavrov

  • Taiwan