MOSCOW: In a significant diplomatic development, Russia announced on Saturday that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation, expressing mutual willingness to cooperate on key international issues, including the Ukraine conflict and Middle Eastern stability. The discussion, initiated by the US, marks a step toward restoring dialogue between the two nations after nearly three years of strained relations.
The call comes ahead of a planned summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, reportedly to be hosted by Saudi Arabia. This has raised concerns among Ukraine and its European allies, who fear being sidelined in potential agreements.
Key Points:
- Diplomatic Engagement:
- Lavrov and Rubio discussed cooperation on Ukraine, Palestine, and broader Middle Eastern issues.
- Both sides confirmed their readiness to restore a “mutually respectful” intergovernmental dialogue.
- Summit Preparations:
- The leaders agreed to maintain regular contacts to prepare for a high-level US-Russia summit.
- Trump has indicated the summit with Putin will take place in Saudi Arabia, though no specific date has been set.
- Context of the Call:
- The conversation follows Trump’s recent call with Putin, ending a nearly three-year communication gap during the Ukraine conflict.
- It also comes after US Vice President JD Vance criticized European nations at the Munich Security Conference.
- Sanctions and Tensions:
- Under the Biden administration, the US imposed extensive economic sanctions on Russia for its actions in Ukraine.
- Lavrov and Rubio emphasized maintaining communication channels to address longstanding bilateral issues.
The phone call between Lavrov and Rubio signals a potential thaw in US-Russia relations, with both sides committing to dialogue and cooperation on pressing global issues. However, the planned Trump-Putin summit has sparked concerns among European allies, particularly Ukraine, about being excluded from critical discussions. As diplomatic efforts progress, the focus remains on whether these talks will lead to meaningful resolutions or further complicate an already tense geopolitical landscape.