Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday in the highest-level known contact between the two sides since Russia invaded Ukraine, with Blinken urging Russia to release Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan.
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke by phone to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday in the highest-level known contact between the two sides since Russia invaded Ukraine, with Blinken urging Russia to accept a deal to win the release of American detainees Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan.
Blinken did not provide details of Lavrov’s response to what he had previously called a “substantial proposal” for Russia to release Whelan and Griner. Blinken had publicly requested the call and revealed the existence of the offer to Russia. People familiar with the offer say the U.S. wants to swap Whelan and Griner for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Blinken also said he had pressed Lavrov on the importance of Russia following through on an agreement to allow Ukrainian grain shipments to leave the Black Sea and warned him of consequences should Moscow move ahead with suspected plans to annex portions of eastern and southern Ukraine. In its statement afterward, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Lavrov “strongly suggested” to Blinken “returning to a professional dialogue in the mode of quiet diplomacy” on any efforts at American detainees’ release.
Griner’s arrest came at a time of heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington ahead of Russia sending troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24. Griner’s five months of detention have raised strong criticism among teammates and supporters in the United States. The Biden administration has faced political pressure to free Griner and other Americans whom the U.S. has declared to be “wrongfully detained” — a designation sharply rejected by Russian officials.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
U.S. has offered 'substantial proposal' to Russia in exchange for Brittney Griner, Paul WhelanThe Biden administration has 'put a substantial proposal on the table' aimed at bringing Brittney Griner and fellow jailed American Paul Whelan home from Russia, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday.
Read more »
U.S. offers deal to Russia for return of Brittney Griner, Paul WhelanIn a sharp reversal of previous policy, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he expects to speak with his Kremlin counterpart for the first time since before Russia invaded Ukraine to discuss the deal and other matters.
Read more »
Blinken: US offered Russia ‘substantial proposal’ for release of Brittney Griner, Paul WhelanThe U.S. reportedly made an offer to Russia in June to trade Viktor Bout for Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan.
Read more »
U.S. offers Russia a deal for the release of Brittney GrinerThe U.S. has offered a deal to Russia aimed at bringing home WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday.
Read more »
US offers Russia deal aimed at bringing home WNBA star Brittney Griner, Paul WhelanIt is unclear what the deal is, or whether it will be enough for Russia to release the Americans.
Read more »