Minister of the United States of The state spoke to Anthony Blinken and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov for The first time since russian invasion of Ukraine to accept the US proposal for Version of Two Americans arrested in Russia.
Blinkin declined To clarify the response of Foreign Minister Lavrov to the “important proposal” of the United States forward weeks ago, but said it was “important” that Lavrov heard directly from him on Subject.
I urged Foreign Minister Lavrov to do so move forward with This suggestion,” Blinken said, describing the conversation as “candid and direct.”
in issue is the version of Britney Greiner and Paul Whelan, Americans who remain in Russian nursery school.
The Biden administration has faced Political pressure to release Greiner and other Americans the US declared “unjustly held” – a designation that Russian officials vehemently rejected.
Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive, was sentenced to 16 years in prison in prison on espionage shipment in 2020. He and him family He has firmly asserted his innocence. United State government The charges were dismissed as false.
Russia has for Express years of interest in Version of Victor Bout, a Russian weapon dealer Once called “Merchant” of Death.” He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in prison in 2012 on Accusations that he planned to sell them illegally millions of dollar in arms.
Greiner, 31, is a basketball player player who arrested in February after the Russian authorities said found marijuana oil in to her possession. She earlier pleaded guilty in July on drug charges but confirmed that she used medical cannabis treat Pain has denied that she intended to violate Russian law.
The United States did not provide details about its proposal but CNN reported on On Wednesday, the Biden administration offered to exchange Bot, the convicted Russian arms smuggler for Americans.
bot is currently Serves 25-year prison The Department of Justice has voiced opposition to the potential exchange, according to CNN.
In addition to the American show, Blinken said that “made clear to Russia that possible annexation of Additional Ukrainian territory “will never be accepted.”
“The world It will not recognize the annexation. We will charge large additional costs on If Russia moves forward with that it plans,” He said.
“we will also keep standing with Ukraine, support that it ability To defend himself, to impose costs on Russia to end its aggression added.
