Blinken, Lavrov Had "Frank" Discussion For First Time Since February

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday spoke with Russia's Sergey Lavrov, the top U.S. diplomat told reporters, describing it as a "frank and direct conversation," TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

The call, which reportedly lasted for about 25 mins, was the first time the two have spoken since Russia's renewed invasion of Ukraine in February.

"I pressed the Kremlin to accept the substantial proposal that we put forth on the release of Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner," Blinken told reporters, without providing details on whether he thought Moscow was likely to move on a deal. "I can't give you an assessment of whether I think things are any more or less likely," he said.

"I raised exactly what I said I would raise with [Lavrov[" Blinken added, referencing his announcement on Wednesday that he intended to speak with his Russian counterpart about the detainee proposal, the grain deal and the major concerns about further Russian annexation of parts of Ukraine.

Washington has seen "no willingness" on the part of Russia to end its aggression against Ukraine, according to Blinken.

The secretary also said he warned Lavrov of consequences should Moscow move ahead with suspected plans to annex portions of eastern and southern Ukraine, saying such a move will never be recognised and “will result in significant additional costs for Russia”.

The world "will not recognize annexations and will impose additional significant costs on Russia if it moves forward with its plans," Blinken emphasized.

Blinken's calls with Lavrov came as the Biden Administration on Friday slapped additional sanctions on Russian individuals and entities for backing Moscow to sow discord, spread pro-Russian propaganda, and interfere with U.S. elections.

“The individuals and entities designated today played various roles in Russia’s attempts to manipulate and destabilise the United States and its allies and partners, including Ukraine,” the U.S. Treasury said in a statement, naming the individuals as Russian citizens Aleksandr Viktorovich Ionov and Natalya Valeryevna Burlinova, Reuters reports.

The affected entities are the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia, Ionov Transkontinental, STOP-Imperialism and the Center for Support and Development of Public Initiative Creative Diplomacy

"This action is separate and distinct from the broad range of measures the United States and its allies and partners continue to impose on Russia’s economy and financial system in response to its unlawful invasion of Ukraine, which constitutes another clear example of Russia’s disregard for the sovereignty and political independence of other states" Blinken said in a statement,

"The United States will continue to act to deter and disrupt these efforts to safeguard our democracy, as well as help protect the democracies of our allies and partners," he added.

The White House, in its turn, on Friday hinted that it is preparing another military aid package for Ukraine.

“I fully expect that and I think you’re going to see another one relatively soon. I’m a little hesitant to stamp the date on the calendar but I think you can expect to see another announcement on the security assistance support very soon,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

“I don’t want to preview what’s in the package just yet,” he said. “But I do think that in general terms, you can expect to see things in line with the kinds of security assistance you’ve seen in the past.”

The upcoming package, the 17th such installment, would bring U.S. commitment to Ukraine to more than $8 billion since the war started in late February

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.